Tulum Cemetery: 732 Graves Still Need Regularization

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The Directorate of Municipal Cemeteries in Tulum has reported significant progress in the regularization process at the ancient cemetery, with 1,423 graves now registered. Of these, 53 percent comply with the required documentation and are part of the updated municipal registry. The remainder, equivalent to 732 graves, continue in an irregular condition due to incomplete paperwork or not having been ratified by family members, according to the director of Cemeteries, María Méndez.

The official highlighted that in recent weeks there has been an increase in citizen participation, particularly around the Day of the Dead festivities, when many families take the opportunity during their visits to inquire about regularization requirements.

“The process includes updating the holder’s data, accrediting kinship, and paying the corresponding fees. With this, we seek to guarantee that each grave has a current registration that allows for its permanence and conservation,” explained Méndez.

Once the period of high traffic in the cemeteries concludes, municipal staff will conduct a new physical survey to confirm how many additional graves can be formally integrated into the inventory. The director emphasized that the objective is to maintain orderly control, prevent the saturation of spaces, and ensure dignified conservation conditions in one of Tulum’s oldest and most representative funerary grounds.

Within the group of irregular graves, approximately 30 structures were identified with severe damage or collapse, caused by abandonment, humidity, or lack of maintenance. For safety reasons, these cases will undergo an exhumation process, which will be carried out solely under current legal and sanitary guidelines, guaranteeing absolute respect for human remains and the responsible involvement of families.

Regarding the new cemetery, the official reported that 125 burial niches for recent interments are still available, in addition to spaces designated for ash urns—a model that has seen increased demand due to its space optimization, ease of maintenance, and improved administration of the municipal cemetery.

Finally, the Directorate of Cemeteries reiterated its call to Tulum families to come forward and regularize the status of their funeral spaces. This effort aims to prevent future conflicts over ownership, strengthen patrimonial control, and guarantee safe and dignified environments for those who visit their loved ones throughout the year.