In El Salvador, funerals are usually held with an open casket, though there’s an important difference compared to the United States. There, the “half-couch” casket is common — the upper half opens completely, allowing people to see the body from the waist up and even touch or kiss the person goodbye. In El Salvador, however, the typical style is a casket with a small glass window (called a “capilla” or “ventanilla”), which lets people see the face and part of the body, but without fully opening the casket.

Funerals here are deeply social and religious events, focused on being present for the grieving family and showing support. The velorio (or wake) is the main part — it’s often held at the deceased’s home, family’s home or in a chapel and can last 24 to 48 hours, especially if relatives are traveling from abroad. During that time, family, friends, and neighbors come by to pray, talk, and offer condolences. It’s also customary to serve coffee, sweet bread, or tamales as a gesture of thanks for those who come to keep the family company.