The Tucson All Souls Procession, a grass roots arts initiative, has grown in each of its over 25 years. I was curious and went to Tucson to find out what all the skeletons, drumming and partying was about and was very glad that I did.

Just after Halloween and very close to Day of the Dead and All Souls Day, Tucson’s All Souls Procession, borrowing a little bit from each and stirring in a heaping dose of creativity, celebration and social activism, marches on. It is hard to describe this event. The best thing to do is follow preparations on the website and head to Tucson to attend. This year’s All Souls Procession Weekend is November 2-3, 2019 with the procession taking place on November 3, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit the website calendar for more details.

Shop ’til you drop and put together an All Souls Procession outfit. Photo by: Elizabeth R Rose

About Tucson’s All Souls Procession

Once seen as a local celebration of art and culture, the All Souls Procession is fast becoming an event drawing the curious from near and far. I attended my first All Souls Procession and was mesmerized by the ghostly figures, skulls and touches of South of the Border color. I certainly didn’t know what to expect.

Folklorico Dancers add color to the All Souls event. Photo by: Elizabeth R. Rose

I arrived two hours before the procession was scheduled to start and enjoyed walking up and down 4th Avenue in the University District looking at the All Souls regalia in the windows. The wise had early dinners at the sidewalk cafes.

As I walked, I stopped costumed people to admire their handiwork and request a photo. All were very happy to have their other-worldly appearances memorialized in photos. Everyone was friendly and having a great time. Most were young but all were into the All Souls Procession creative look.

Everyone is in a spirited mood during All Souls and love having their photos taken. Photo by: Elizabeth R Rose

As the drumming, dancing and gathering intensified, a gigantic urn was paraded to the start at the East 5th Street intersection. Ethereal blue forms danced around the urn and the procession began. It wasn’t quite a parade (there were no barricades keeping us back) and it wasn’t quite a party (because it moved)… it was a slow, 1.5-mile procession that changed in participation and form as it went.

If you plan to have your face painted, be sure and go early. Photo by: Elizabeth R Rose

Some skull designs were works of art. Photo by: Elizabeth R Rose

I watched the procession and saw lots of skull face paint, several goulish brides, rolling altars memorializing loved ones who had passed on, and groups representing a variety of causes ranging from animal welfare to transgender death prevention. If you had a cause, this procession was a place to display your unity.

There was a troupe of marionettes—full sized and alive! There were bagpipers, drummers, folklorico dancers, dogs with skeleton paint on their sides, families dressed as skeletons, college kids walking and imbibing and so much more. Like I said, it is hard to describe.

Life size marionettes captured everyone’s attention in the procession. Photo by: Elizabeth R Rose

This eclectic mass of people moved from the University District to a grand finale stage on North Stone Avenue. We all joined in the procession with or without costumes.

The procession was like a moving folk art exhibition. Photo by: Elizabeth R Rose

At the crowded end, people gathered to watch performances on three stages and the ritual burning of the urn. The organization has, over the years, built many fire sculptures and tried each year to get people to participate by placing their shared visions, memories, losses and wishes into the piece.

Tips for Enjoying the Weekend

• The All Souls Procession is just one part of a series of events. Watch the website for such events as the Little Angels Procession for children, an All Souls Fashion Show, art show and much more.
• Go early and watch the people, with their amazing costumes, gather. The area where the event begins is the most organized and festive. We found face painters and a myriad of costumed participants.
• Everyone is a participant whether you stay on the sidelines or join in the procession. Dress up. Paint your face. Have fun!
• Parking was not a problem on side streets. However I did arrive a couple hours early.
• Take your camera. Know about night photography. You won’t be sorry.
• Know that restaurants will be available but crowded.
• Consider donating a few dollars as the “big hats” come by. The All Souls Procession is a grass-roots non-profit organization. Commercial sponsors would ruin the event. Support its continued evolution.
• Check out this year’s route. I liked spending my early time close to the beginning and walking with the procession to the end.

Where to Stay

Although you can book a hotel downtown, close to where the procession and finale will most likely take place, I opted for a stay at Loew’s Ventana Canyon Resort, a luxurious oasis set against the stunning backdrop of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains.

Relaxing at the Loew’s Ventana Canyon Resort after the procession was a fantastic way to spend the rest of the weekend. Photo by: Elizabeth R Rose

This natural setting, coupled with the resort’s commitment to partnership with the Tucson community, has made the 93-acre oasis a true Arizona experience for visitors. The setting and the resort’s integration into the natural setting is what sets this resort apart from many other Tucson choices.

It was a nice place to enjoy peace and quiet, fine dining and relaxation after the hectic, festive All Souls events. It was a rather short drive to downtown and made the weekend in Tucson both intriguing and relaxing.