UPDATE: Thousands of attendees filled Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday for the 36th Annual All Souls Procession, a powerful event honoring loved ones who have passed away. The procession, which attracts community members from all walks of life, serves as a vibrant and therapeutic space for remembrance and celebration, with participants expressing their grief through art, music, and cultural traditions.
The All Souls Procession, founded in 1990 by local artist Susan Johnson, is now organized by the non-profit Many Mouths One Stomach. This year’s event, held the weekend after Día de los Muertos, featured an array of creative tributes, including intricate ofrendas, face painting, and costumes, as participants shared memories of their loved ones.
Among the attendees was Clarissa Gastelum, who paid heartfelt tribute to her son Oscar Alexander Acedo, who tragically died in February of this year. “He was born on September 3, 1992, and his passing was devastating,” Gastelum shared. “I didn’t get to say goodbye, which made it even harder.” Gastelum recounted her son’s kindness and love for animals, revealing plans to honor him with a donation to PACC in his name.
The emotional weight of the event was palpable, as attendees placed messages, offerings, and wishes into “The Urn.” This symbolic act allowed participants to send their thoughts and memories skyward, creating a sense of closure and connection with those they lost.
“It’s a way of honoring them so your thoughts and memories are put into the urn and sent up into the heavens,”
said Tanya Jones, the ASP Director of Face Painting.
Participants proudly displayed photographs of family members, friends, and even pets as they marched from Speedway and Grande to the MSA Annex, where the ceremonial burning of The Urn took place. This community-driven event, entirely funded by donations, fosters unity across diverse cultures, providing a space for collective mourning and healing.
Rebecca Block and her family showcased a Dala Horse ofrenda, representing her Swedish mother, Kerstin Block, founder of Buffalo Exchange. “It’s been a labor of love,” Block remarked, reflecting on the years her family has participated in the procession. “The All Souls Procession is incredibly special to us.”
This year’s gathering not only commemorated individual lives but also highlighted the communal experience of grief. Gastelum expressed the importance of being surrounded by others who share similar losses, stating, “It feels good to celebrate him alongside everyone else who has had unfortunate losses in their lives.”
As the sun set over Tucson, the All Souls Procession stood as a testament to the enduring bond between the living and the deceased, embodying the spirit of remembrance, love, and renewal. The event promises to leave a lasting impact on those who participated, reminding everyone that grief shared can lead to healing.
The All Souls Procession continues to be a vital cultural event, encouraging participants to honor their loved ones while fostering an inclusive community spirit. As the procession grows each year, it serves as a powerful reminder of the love that transcends loss, offering solace and connection in the face of grief.
