Day of the funeral: discovering new ways of saying goodbye and remembering

Day of the funeral: discovering new ways of saying goodbye and remembering

An interesting day is coming up in Vienna: OnOctober 30, 2025finds from2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.mthe “day of burial” takes place. Everything about the topic of farewell, remembrance and funeral culture is making waves here. The organizers focus the event on a space for pause and encounter, where people can actively engage with the most diverse aspects of the funeral. MyDistrict reports that the program includes a variety of offerings that are both informative and emotionally enriching.

One of the highlights of the afternoon is a lecture by cathedral priest Toni Faber, who talks about church support and mourning processes. In addition, participants can expect exciting discussion sessions with psychologists, grief counselors and industry representatives, where those interested can find out everything that has to do with the topic of farewell. There is also an information guide entitled “What to do in the event of death?” is provided to provide assistance to those affected and their relatives.

Diversity of burial culture

The great interest in alternative forms of burial is constantly growing. In view of the changing burial culture in Germany, where, for example, according to a survey, 25% of people prefer to be buried in a burial forest, so-called “green burials” are also increasingly having an impact in Austria. Undertaker Atlas emphasizes that tree and forest burials not only offer more personal farewell rituals, but also reflect ecological responsibility. More and more people want their final resting place to take place in a natural environment, with the Friedwald concept becoming increasingly popular.

But alternative forms such as re-interment, which is currently being tested in Schleswig-Holstein, are also gaining in importance. This impresses with its environmentally friendly orientation, as it promotes the body's natural decomposition and reduces the ecological footprint. In addition, diamond burials are becoming increasingly popular: Here the ashes of a deceased person are converted into a synthetic diamond - a very special form of remembrance.

Program highlights and personal conversations

However, the “Day of the Funeral” is not just about education. In addition to the lectures, visitors can expect various panel discussions, for example on sustainability in funerals or the discussion “Undertaker's talk from the inside out”, which provides insights into the industry. The “Café of Memories” invites you to personal conversations over coffee and croissants, a very special opportunity to bring your own experiences and thoughts into this setting, while a book reading by Peter Ahorner from “Vienna and Death” illuminates the cultural facets of the topic.

To make the visit even more lively, a cabaret by Stefan Haider will also be presented under the motto “Laughter despite saying goodbye”. After all, humor is also a part of mourning! The entire day is rounded off with a virtual reality experience that immerses visitors in the world of remembrance culture.

The broad topic and the variety of burial types are rounded off by the information on the stands about careers and precautionary options and offer a deep insight into the new, innovative grave design options and modern types of burial. For anyone interested in this informative day, further information can be found at MyDistrict.