All Souls Procession
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
15 reviews for All Souls Procession
15 reviews in English
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Review from Corey D.
11/6/2011
Absolutely amazing.
It's one of my favorite things about Tucson, and it continues to grow year after year. The music, the make-up, the masks and puppets that people spend hours creating... the evening is magical, it's an inspiration. I don't know what goes through the minds of the fantastic acrobats who get hoisted up into the air then dangled above the flaming urn, but the passion of so many is what makes this event so unique.
Favorite part... tonight I saw a gentleman walking around with a black eye pencil putting interesting designs on those that didn't dress up. This kid couldn't have been more than 20 and just simply wanted to give back in his special way and be part of the evening. It was wild seeing how receptive people were to this stranger, letting him create something they'll not soon forget. Very cool. -
Review from Ana T.
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
There we are, standing at the entrance of the grand finale, squished from the crowds of people behind us who are desperately pushing forward. The cop next to us is attempting to hold everyone back, but he's unable to. The people are dying to get closer to capture the magic (lucky we got there early). There are giant paper mache figures dancing to drum beats. There's a group of skeletons bouncing around in front of us. This one skeleton who's had a little too much to drink approaches the cop and breathes, "Is your life worth ten seconds?" "What?" No one can understand him. He repeats himself. Then mutters, "Wear a condom."
Obviously, the procession is honoring the dead, but it also seems to provide all kinds of organizations with a reason to promote themselves or stand up for whatever cause. If you can somehow connect it to death, no matter how ambiguous the connection might be, you may have yourself a reason to march in the procession. There was a recent graduate marching in his cap and gown to announce the completion of his college education (RIP College or something of the sorts). Many fun characters playfully march through, but there are also those people who take the procession very seriously as they march for the loss of a loved one.
All Souls Procession is essentially a big bundle of creativity, marching through the city. I can't say I was entirely prepared this year, but I know what to do for next year. These are some of the things I didn't bring, that you should bring:
+ foldable lawn chairs
+ a picnic blanket
+ LOTS of warm layers
+ a camera
+ a painted skull face
+ energy
Other than that, be respectful, dance, and get your skeleton on. -
Review from Carrie B.
An incredible gathering of all kinds of folks. Whether you're there to participate or just take in the sights, I recommend getting there early. This year we got downtown at 4:30 p.m. and Congress was already blocked off. We had to take 6th and were able to park behind Plush for $5 (they were giving away $5 coupons to spend at Plush after the parade, though).
Lots of people were already starting to line the streets but, things were still moving along. Many people in costumes were headed toward University Ave to assemble. We were able to score a patio table at Martin's Comida Chingona while it was still light out and were able to sit and watch the world pass by as we dined.
As darkness fell the mood heightened and the excitement was almost palpable and bagpipes could be heard signaling the start of the procession. We finished our dinner just in time to watch the first part of the procession and it was very moving. There was also a marching band and drum line. Our baby loved the hullabaloo and was not fearful of the costumes or noises in the slightest. I would recommend this for all ages whether you dress up or not it shouldn't be missed. -
Review from Joyce C.
7/11/2011 9 photos
The All Souls Procession was one of the coolest things I've ever seen anywhere. I am shocked by how many people who've lived here for years have never gone!
Last year was my first, and I was absolutely mesmerized by the papier-mache sculpture and costume artistry, the music and drum beats, the families marching together, the stilt-walkers.... The creativity and energy were unbelievable.
I was so over-the-top enthused about this event that I convinced a close friend to come all the way from the Midwest this year just for the All Souls Procession.
Can. Not. Wait. -
Review from Eric G.
10/3/2011
It's coming up on that time of year again. If you've never been, do yourself a favor and go. This is a staple experience for the Old Pueblo. Some could (and do) argue that this is THE event of the year here.
In the 10 years that I've been attending this parade (for lack of better descriptor), I have seen it grown, grow, and grow some more. The quality through this growth spurt has not been watered down. If anything, it seems that Tucson's creative souls are still coming out of the woodwork. Many of the floats are out-of-this-world fantastic. The music hits you to the core. And the finale event, while sometimes becoming a bit too drawn out, is not to be missed.
One of the nicest and most special aspects of this event is that it is as inclusive as the spectator wants it to be. Care to dress up and join in the procession? By all means do so then! Feel more like a fly on the wall? That's fine too. It all depends on where you're at.
The entire point of this event is meant to serve as a reminder of those we love. To some it is those who have departed, recently or otherwise. To others, it's simply a physical way to remind oneself to be aware of what is precious to your life. And to all, it seems to be a way to release any negativity being held onto when that urn finally bursts into flames at the end. What a way to cherish the good and be gone with the bad.
Old Pueblo, this night above any other, I am most reminded of what I love about living within this city. And it warms my heart to share that with the tens of thousands who inevitably show up. -
Review from Jen W.
11/6/2011
For thousands of people downtown at one time, I had absolutely no problem parking. It was incredible to see the artistic face painting, the passion of the musicians and the causes, and the tributes to deceased family members and animals. If you're a regular of the 4th Avenue scene, if you like to people watch and take pictures, if you love marching band music, if you like to ride your cruiser that has a skull blowing out patchouli, if you like to paint your face, and/or if you love Tucson's cultural vibe, go to this event. It's free, and I cannot think of a better event for Tucson.
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Review from Veronica G.
Tucson, AZ
11/5/2011
I'm excited for tomorrow! I went for the first time last year and was blown away at the costumes and floats. I missed the finale last year, but I'll be sure to check it out this year. The concert at the Rialto looks to be a great addition to the night!
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Review from Wes B.
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Its getting bigger and better every year!
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Review from Vanessa W.
Tucson, AZ
11/8/2011
This event was so amazing. Thousands of people in attendance of all sorts - hippies, families with kids, college kids, older folks, people walking their dressed-as-skeletons-dogs - and everybody just completely relaxed & there to have a good time. This year the UofA marching band also participated (which someone told me is the first time in the history of this event) and the entire group had their faces painted in celebration.
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Review from Julia H.
Tucson, AZ
11/10/2010 2 photos
ethnic culture + popular culture+ creativity + family + fun + skeletons + flowers + street roaming
BEST thing about Tucson. :) I love when there's life on the streets! -
Review from Lauren V.
11/13/2009 4 photos
One of the most incredible experiences of my life. Real talk.
Disclaimer: The following descriptions are rooted in my well-hidden hippie philosophies on life. I don't care for other hippies and they have terrible taste in shoes, so I understand if you choose to stop reading. But I'm outing myself because there is no other way to describe this event. The words "spiritual," "love" and "magical" may appear below and I apologize in advance.
I went for the first time as a last minute decision once I found out when it would be (the weekend after the Day of the Dead holiday). It would make for a long day and night - it's about a 2-hour walk and then a performance at the end and then a 2-hour drive home and work the next day. Ouch; but it was worth it!
I was surprised to find that the event is only about 90 percent Day of the Dead focused. I came across a blog that describes the mix perfectly: "The All Souls Procession... is Tucson's hip, weirdo, eclectic, inexplicable and sometimes cutting-edge arts scene's retrofitted take on Day of the Dead, and is the most exciting, inspiring and magical event of the year." I agree 100 percent.
The best part is, you can go all-out with full regalia and makeup, or simply smear some stylized black and white face paint on and you can walk along with the parade - and I fully suggest walking IN the event, as a spectator you see everything but you do NOT get the full experience. You walk among people as well as strollers, bikes, carts, trikes, hand-built contraptions, wagons, tables with wheels - anything and everything that could be rolled, dragged or pushed was painted, covered with flowers and adorned with pictures of loved ones, candles, food (it is tradition to make the deceased's favorite food) and used as makeshift altars. These contraptions were also used to display art or just plain cool shit.
Costumes were very Day of the Dead traditional and impressive - people walked with enormous sugar skulls on their heads, walked on stilts, rode tall bikes, etc. And there were also the outliers with their fairy costumes, goth gear, tutus, glitter, lights and basic Halloween costume leftovers (the randomness is a minority). The overall theme is death-focused, but I was surprised at how overpowered that morbidity is by the celebratory and festive atmosphere of the event. This mood was helped enormously by the many, many groups of people who played flutes, drums, pianos, organs, kazoos and more.
People also pinned photos of their deceased loved ones to their shirts, wore sandwich boards with photos, carried big signs or had full altars with candles (as I mentioned), and at several points while walking it overwhelmed me and I would think: "That person's brother died this year" or "That couple lost their child" or "Those middle school students are here because their friend died." But then you would see these people smiling and enjoying this release and this ability to share this with so many people, and it becomes something culturally that I've never experienced: a true celebration of life. Sure, people SAY those words all the time, but I've NEVER seen or felt it until now. It felt free and even primal due to the maks and dancing and drum beats. At this point I would get almost tearful at the enormity of what me and these other 20,000 people were participating in and sharing together (told you I was a hippie).
OK, enough emotion, now for the details: It is family friendly, and I saw infants, toddlers and teens participating. But it can be scary for small children. We had a 1.5-year-old with us, and he did fine I think because he watched us all get ready and got his face painted too; I wouldn't recommend just showing up and throwing a small kid in front of the many monsters and ghouls roaming around.
It's about a mile and half, but it goes very slowly so it takes about two hours, almost 3 if you stay for the grand finale show. You start on 4th Ave at University, and head south, go through the underpass (this caused a bit of a bottleneck but was really, really fun!) at Congress and end up at the Grand Finale stage around 6th St and 9th Ave.
These are old Tucson streets and are dusty, uneven and now have trolley tracks on them (bikers be wary), but I wore flip flops and was fine -- my feet and legs were filthy, but not blistered or sore. You can write a prayer for your loved ones and put it in the giant urn that they pull along the parade (where and when you do this, I don't know).
At the end, there is a short (45 min or so) performance (this year an aerobatics display from NYC's Magpie art collective) and bagpipers play (why they have bagpipers for an event with such Mexican roots I have no idea). Then they take the urn into the air with a crane and burn it with everyone's prayers inside.
I can't recommend this event enough! Words and photos hardly do it justice. It will be one of the coolest thing you've ever done it your life, I promise! -
Review from Heather M.
Tucson, AZ
11/10/2008
Acrobats and fire!!!!!!11!1111!!!
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Review from Ferdinand B.
New York, NY
11/4/2008 1 photo
Fun little parade devoted to adoration of the dead. Costumes, masks, floats all partake.
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Review from Dale P.
Tucson, AZ
8/9/2010
This an experience like none other. It only lasts about an hour so make sure you get there on time for the parade. It's a trult Tucson take on the All Sould Day and all are welcome.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Tucson, AZ
11/6/2008
Love Love LOVE IT! You can't find this anywhere else. And is one of the events that makes me love Tucson. A great atmosphere and so much too look at with all the costumes. Anyone can join it -- and that I love.
