Tucson’s All Souls Procession Draws Thousands for Remembrance

On November 5, 2023, Tucson’s west side came alive with the 36th Annual All Souls Procession, where thousands gathered to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away. This vibrant event, which began in 1990, provides a unique space for the community to express grief and celebrate life through art, music, and shared experiences. Originally founded by local artist Susan Johnson, the procession is now organized by the non-profit Many Mouths One Stomach.

The timing of the All Souls Procession typically coincides with the weekend following Día de los Muertos, allowing participants to honor their dearly departed in a culturally rich context. Participants decorated the streets with elaborate costumes, face paintings, and beautifully crafted ofrendas, or altars, paying homage to those they have lost.

Personal Tributes and Community Healing

Among the attendees was Clarissa Gastelum, who attended the procession to remember her son, Oscar Alexander Acedo, who died earlier this year. “He was born on September 3, 1992, and passed away on February 22, 2025,” Gastelum shared. She described him as kind-hearted and noted that friends often spoke of his love for animals. In his honor, Gastelum’s family organized a golf tournament to benefit the Pima Animal Care Center, reflecting Oscar’s passion for animal welfare.

Gastelum expressed the difficulty of not being able to say goodbye to her son. “It was rough,” she said, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of the event. “It feels good to celebrate him, along with everyone else who has experienced loss.” The sense of shared grief and love among participants created a supportive atmosphere.

Rebecca Block and her family contributed a Dala Horse ofrenda that honored her Swedish mother, Kerstin Block, founder of Buffalo Exchange. “It’s been a labor of love,” she remarked, reflecting on how the family worked together to create the piece. Block, a long-time attendee, highlighted the special significance of the All Souls Procession in their lives.

Artistic Expression as a Form of Remembrance

The event featured various artistic expressions, including face painting, which served as a way for participants to reflect on their memories. Tanya Jones, the Director of Face Painting for the procession, emphasized the connection that art fosters. “When someone sits in my chair, I ask them about who they’re honoring and their favorite colors. It creates a personal connection,” Jones explained. She noted that this process can be both relaxing and cathartic for those in attendance.

As the procession moved from Speedway and Grande to the MSA Annex, participants carried pictures of family, friends, and even beloved pets. The culmination of the event involved the burning of “The Urn,” which contained messages of hope and wishes for those who have passed. “It’s a way of bringing closure and honoring them,” Jones remarked, describing how the urn holds collective memories before being sent into the heavens.

The All Souls Procession is entirely community-funded, aiming to unite individuals from diverse cultures in a shared experience of remembrance, love, and renewal. The event underscores the importance of community support in the grieving process, allowing individuals to find solace in collective mourning.

As attendees walked together, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of connection. The All Souls Procession serves as a poignant reminder that while loved ones may be gone, their memories continue to inspire celebrations of life and love.