UPDATE: Thousands gathered in Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday to honor their deceased loved ones at the 36th Annual All Souls Procession. The event, which took place on November 5, 2023, has become a vital community tradition, providing a space for healing through art, music, and shared memories.
The All Souls Procession, originally started in 1990 by local artist Susan Johnson and now managed by the non-profit Many Mouths One Stomach, invites participants to celebrate life while expressing their grief. This year’s event coincided with the weekend after Día de los Muertos, amplifying its significance in honoring those who have passed.
Clarissa Gastelum paid tribute to her son, Oscar Alexander Acedo, who died earlier this year on February 22, 2025. “He was born on September 3, 1992, and his loss has been devastating,” Gastelum shared. “I didn’t get to say goodbye, so it’s been rough.” Her tribute included a donation to local animal shelter PACC, reflecting her son’s love for animals.
Participants showcased their grief and love through creative expressions, including the Dala Horse ofrenda created by Rebecca Block in memory of her mother, Kerstin Block, founder of Buffalo Exchange. “It’s been a labor of love,” Block expressed. “We’ve attended this event for many years, and it’s incredibly special.”
The director of face painting at the event, Tanya Jones, emphasized the emotional connection fostered through art. “When someone sits in my chair, I ask who they’re honoring and connect with them personally. It’s a therapeutic experience,” Jones stated.
As the procession progressed from Speedway and Grande to the MSA Annex, participants held pictures of their loved ones high, signaling a collective remembrance. Messages of hope and wishes were placed into “The Urn,” which serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the deceased. “It’s a way of bringing closure and sending thoughts into the heavens,” Jones explained.
The community-funded procession aims to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in a shared experience of remembrance and renewal. “Being surrounded by others who feel the same love and grief is therapeutic,” Gastelum noted. “It’s comforting to celebrate together.”
This year’s All Souls Procession underscores a powerful community bond, demonstrating how art and collective mourning can help individuals navigate their grief. Participants left feeling uplifted, united in both loss and love.
As this heartfelt event continues to grow, the All Souls Procession remains a beacon of hope and healing for Tucson residents, proving that even in mourning, the beauty of life endures.
