The fourth day of the Before I Die NM Festival features a cremated remains committal in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, cemetery education sessions with a taphophile, and a crematory behind-the-scenes tour. While all these events are free, registration is appreciated so we can plan for turnout. Register here.
November 2 is All Souls Day and Plan Your Epitaph Day.
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. “Who Lies Beneath” Presentation about famous people buried in Albuquerque cemeteries, presented by David M. Habben, Taphophile. Refreshments provided. Location: Daniels Family Funeral Services, Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave. SE (free)
10:00 a.m. SANTA FE & ALBUQUERQUE Cremated Remains Committal Service at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Albuquerque and at Rosario Cemetery in Santa Fe. This no-cost inurnment opportunity must be pre-arranged and remains delivered at least two days prior to the committal service. To make arrangements by October 31, call Mt. Calvary at (505) 243-0218, or Rosario at (505) 983-2322.
Locations: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, and Rosario Cemetery, 499 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe (free)
Noon to 4:00 p.m. “Carved in Stone” presentation about understanding the language of old cemetery headstones by David M. Habben, Taphophile. Plan to bring your own lunch, light refreshments will be provided. Test what you learned at Fairview Cemetery after the class. Location: Daniels Family Funeral Services, Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave. SE (free)
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Crematory behind-the-scenes tour, including viewing cremated remains as they emerge from the retort. Location: Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE (free)
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Death Cafe conversation. At Death Cafes, people drink tea or coffee, eat cake or cookies and discuss death. Refreshments provided. Location: FRENCH – University Reception Center, 1111 University Blvd. NE (free)
4:30 p.m. Tour of historic Fairview Cemetery with David Habben, headstone image expert. Location: Fairview Memorial Park, 700 Yale Blvd. SE (free)
See the full schedule of events here.