Each September, Mount Pleasant Group hosts its annual Butterfly Release to mark World United for Life Day, a global event that celebrates life and remembrance. Cemeteries and funeral homes in more than 40 countries across five continents join in this meaningful tradition, creating a worldwide community of connection and healing.
This initiative, led by ALPAR, the Latin American Trade Association of Cemeteries and Funeral Services, invites the entire cemetery and funeral industry to unite in celebrating life through in-person, virtual and hybrid activities. Since 2012, millions of people have participated, making it a truly global movement.
At Pine Hills Cemetery, this beautiful memorial has been held since 2017, drawing hundreds of attendees each year. Families gather to release butterflies as a symbol of hope, transformation and enduring love. Many describe the experience as both beautiful and deeply healing, with countless participants returning year after year to honour their loved ones.
The Butterfly Release is more than a ceremony, it’s a shared moment that brings local families together and connects them to a global community in a striking act of remembrance. It reminds us that, although grief is deeply personal, we are never alone. In this open space, individual loss transforms into a collective expression of love and hope.
Sources:
• El Mundo Unido por la Vida
• Mount Pleasant Group – Butterfly Release
Photos courtesy of Mount Pleasant Group
