All Souls: A walk to remember the departed

Posted Nov 8, 2014

Maria Coxon-Smith
TucsonSentinel.com

Joseph M. Oland/TucsonSentinel.com
Bill Vaughn/TucsonSentinel.com
Joseph M. Oland/TucsonSentinel.com
Joseph M. Oland/TucsonSentinel.com
Bill Vaughn/TucsonSentinel.com
Murphy Woodhouse/TucsonSentinel.com
Murphy Woodhouse/TucsonSentinel.com
allsoulsprocession.org

Tens of thousands of people are expected to converge on downtown Tucson dressed in costumes and sugar skull make-up on Sunday for the 25th annual All Souls Procession.

The event started in 1990 as a single performance piece by local artist Susan Johnson who was grieving the passing of her father. Inspired by Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos holiday, Johnson felt she should honor her father with creativity and celebration. Over the years it has evolved into a community celebration in honor of departed loved ones.

Participants can bring bring a photo of a departed loved one to carry, pin to their costume, or to place in the giant urn that leads the procession. You can read about why others have chosen to walk, and share your own story, on the All Souls Procession Weekend Facebook page.

This year's procession will follow a two-mile route from Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue to the finale at Mercado San Agustin. The finale includes music, acrobats, and fire dancers as part of a celebration of life, and includes the burning the urn.

The Sun Link streetcar will run later into the night than usual Sunday, to help transport those who participate in the procession. Up to 100,000 people are expected to join in the event, organizers said.

All Souls events

Procession of Little Angels

What: A children's procession.
When: Saturday, 3 p.m.-until dusk
Where: Armory Park, 220 S. Park Ave.

Night of the Living Fest II

What: The streets around La Cocina will be closed off to allow for a full on extravaganza of entertainment. There will be live music, games, inflatable slides, a joust tournament to battle your friends, and food and drinks. Mike Watt and the Secondmen, Chica Dust, and Prom Body are among the 12 bands scheduled to play, $12. A portion of the proceeds go to help pay for the procession.
When: Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight
Where: La Cocina Restaurant and Cantina, 201 N. Court Ave.

Avenida de Memoria

What: 4th Avenue's Pre Procession Party will include face painters, a photo booth, marigolds and altars, a 'Garden of Memories' wher you can add the name of a lost loved one to be placed in the All Souls urn, and music by The Unday
When: Sunday, 3- 6 p.m.
Where: Haggerty Plaza, 316 N. 4th Ave.

Face Paint Town

What: Listen to live music, or grab a bite from the Maynards “pop-up” Market slated to serve street tacos, aguas frescas, and churros while waiting your turn for free face painting. All ages.
When: Sunday, 2-6 p.m
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street

All Souls Procession

When: Sunday, 6 p.m.
Where: The starting point is East Sixth Street and North Sixth Avenue.

The Grand Finale

When: Sunday, 8:30 p.m. -midnight
Where: Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento.

Dance of the Dead Official After Party

What: The official after party for the All Souls Procession. The finale at Mercado San Agustin will be streamed live, and then Itchy-O Marching Band and Dry River Yacht Club play this all-ages dance party around 9, $12. A portion of the proceeds go to help pay for the procession.
When: Sunday, 8 p.m
Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street

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news, downtown, faith, family/life, local, arizona, arts & culture, dance, theatre/stage, entertainment, celebs/pop culture, music, todo, breaking,

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