ABSTRACT
Funerals in Portugal do not vary greatly across the country; nor have they changed significantly over the years. Funeral home staff transport the body of the deceased to the location of the wake in a hearse. Funeral home staff may be present for the entirety of the wake, or simply check in periodically to assist the family on any practical matters that may arise. The funeral mass is conducted by a priest, in a chapel or church, with the body of the deceased positioned in the church as if facing the altar. Wakes and funerals are attended, first and foremost, by family members of the deceased; friends, colleagues, and acquaintances make up the rest of the attendance. The rite of committal consists of a very short prayer conducted by the priest, lasting only a few minutes. The Celebraçao das Exequias has accounted for funerals with cremation since 2006.
