Cementerio Palomo

In cemeteries the world over, it is easy to see the wealth of the people buried there. In fact that is one of the reasons cemeteries exist. In lands where cremation is practiced, there is nothing left for families to show off!

These photos are of a small, local cemetery, that has attracted little attention - except from me, because it illustrates this arrangement of wealth, easily enough.

In Costa Rica, the burials are usually above ground - because the water level is so high, and the bodies decay rapidly in the tropical heat. Burial sites are rented, for a fixed amount of time - and then reused. Very sensible!

This does not suit rich families, however - who build elaborate, permanent structures. You will no doubt point to more elaborate structures in more affluent countries, where cemeteries resemble small cities - without a living soul in them!

You will have to look carefully here - to see Cementerio Palomo.

These are the standard above-ground burial sites. The markers are removed when other persons are interned there.

This plot was built by a rich family.

He lived to be 78!

Christ, with his Sacred Heart