New burial options in Mainz
In the largest town in Germany's largest wine-growing region, it is now also possible to be buried among the vines - affectionately known as "Schorlegräber".
To this end, the Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz has planted 9 grapevines in 5 rows on a slope (photo) at the Laubenheim District Cemetery, providing space for a total of 72 urn graves and 36 row graves.
"Cemeteries are primarily places of mourning, silence, and remembrance. Remembrance of the people who have found their final resting place there. And, of course, remembrance of those people's lives," emphasizes Jeanette Wetterling, CEO of Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz, which manages Mainz's 13 cemeteries.
Many Mainz residents grew up in the vineyards and have a strong emotional connection to them. And with market breakfasts, wine markets, wine festivals, and other celebrations in Mainz, life in the Rhine-Hesse region revolves around the noble grape. "And that's exactly why we want to create an opportunity that meets the wishes of the local people. With a regional connection and a theme that has united them during their lifetimes," Wetterling continues.
"Since we in Mainz always have an open ear for new ideas, even on this very sensitive topic, and are also known for implementing them promptly when appropriate, the Wingertsgräber have now been created here," adds Ronny Pietsch, head of the cemetery and burial department. Incidentally, the vines are Sauvignon Gries.
Extensions also in Drais, Ebersheim and at the West cemetery
The new burial ground is part of a series of expansion measures at Mainz's district cemeteries. In Laubenheim, four new trees were planted for 32 tree graves, and columbaria were built for an additional 120 urn niches.
At the West Cemetery, 32 tree graves, 28 urn graves, and 144 urn row graves have been newly created. The Drais Cemetery has been expanded by 34 new columbarium chambers. And in Ebersheim, 16 new lawn graves and 8 new lawn row graves are now available.
The next step will be to implement further projects at the Hechtsheim Cemetery.