by Claire Marie Robertson

Die Colorfully
La Funeraria del Sur

Take your pick, red, yellow, zebra stripes or even polka dots, it’s up to you! How would you like yours? It’s a subject not many of us like to think about but Funeraria del Sur, Barrio Cuba is a funeral parlor with a difference! It has been offering its modern alternative coffin service for over ten years and has even become a popular tourist hotspot in Costa Rica.

Good Grief

Ten years ago, attracted to the strange and unusual, Rodrigo Albertho Sanchez Mendez saw a gap in the funeral service market. He decided to set up a Funeral Parlor with a difference, a funeral parlor that would give people an opportunity to leave the world we know in style. “There were no funeral parlors that gave you a choice; they were all very traditional and only ever offered coffins in grey or beige. I knew there was a market,” said Sanchez.

“More and More people are moving away from the traditional.....”

When Sanchez began his business it was not without controversy. In a predominantly Catholic community many funeral parlors accused him of mocking death. Sanchez recalls that at the beginning people were much more conservative. From his brightly colored offices in Barrio Cuba, Sanchez now receives referrals from funeral parlors who know that he can offer people a much wider and more personalized selection. “More and more people are moving away from the traditional,” said Sanchez.

Rest in Peace

Surrounded by coffins Sanchez said that death is part of the journey of life and that it should be looked at in a positive way, “I have had many deaths in my family, sometimes we can be quite selfish and want our family to stay with us forever, even though we can see they are suffering. Sometimes we need to realize that they need to rest in peace.” Sanchez said that many people who have cancer come to pick out their coffin for their funeral. “It is difficult to loose a member of your family, but it is even more difficult to see them suffering.” Sanchez said he believes in God, “But I’m not a fanatic.”

Boxing Clever

“Our concept is that we give people a choice. Obviously we still offer the traditional service but if you want to be buried in a round coffin....we can arrange it. If you want mariachis singing at your funeral we can arrange it.” said Sanchez. When you arrive at the funeral parlor you will be able to see an array of coffins on display. You can choose from a pink furry design as well as a rather fetching animal print number or even a sarcophagus. “If someone doesn’t see what they want here, then we can make it.” Sanchez recalls the time when someone came into the parlor to ask for a large coffin for a family member. “We sent for the coffin to be made to measure and it was then when I realized that we needed to diversify,” said Sánchez.

Selling like Hot Cakes

The Funeraria del Sur is very popular with Costa Ricans and has been recognized as an innovative micro company in Costa Rica in terms of being able to identify what customers want. Sanchez said, “I know I can buy ten coffins in yellow, blue and red and they will all sell, it is that popular.” People are looking for colors other than grey and white and they know we can help.

Die Beautifully

Wendy Sanchez, the daughter of the owner, is in charge of the beauty salon that runs along side the funeral parlor. As well as offering a manicure, hair style and makeup service for the living she is also responsible for making cadavers look their best. “It is the only funeral parlor in Costa Rica that provides this service,” affirms Sanchez. The beauty salon is open twenty four hours a day.

Tourist Hotpot

Sanchez explained that his business still raises a few eyebrows despite the fact it has been running for ten years. “It is not uncommon to see tourists come by and take photos of the coffins, it is something that is very different for them.” Sanchez said that although a tourist is yet to put down a deposit for one of the coffins the Funeraria del Sur has been responsible for organizing funerals all over the world, including Nicaragua, Panama and El Salvador. “We can arrange funerals any where in the world,” said Sanchez proudly.

Richer or Poorer

Sanchez commented that his funeral parlor is a service that is there for both the rich and the poor, “We don’t discriminate, and give everyone a personalized and respectable service.” The parlor has organized many funerals for politicians, artists and other famous personalities in Costa Rica. For those who are not so wealthy the funeral parlor offers a reservation service where with monthly installments you can have your coffin ready, so that family members have no need to worry. Funeral arrangements can also be planned at your request.

Alternative Funerals

Sanchez agrees that alternative funerals can help with the grieving process. And, that a brightly colored coffin is a way of celebrating a person’s life and remembering their true personality. And how would Sanchez like his funeral? “Of course I would like something extravagant and memorable,” he affirms. Of all the Funeral Parlors in Costa Rica, the Funeraria del Sur will be sure to give you the best, brightest and most memorable send off.

The Funeraria del Sur is open 24 hours, and offers a complete funeral service including pathology, they also run a Funeral Parlor in Palmares Alajuela. Prices vary according to design and size.

For enquiries please call 223-4689.