Every year, Tucson’s annual All Souls Procession winds through the city’s streets, honoring loved ones who have passed. Here’s everything you need to know to join this powerful tradition—location, times, and activities!
Each year, hundreds of thousands flood Tucson’s streets, many with painted skull faces and glowing lights attached to their costumes. Participants carry large posters, vibrant orange flowers, and small offerings as they walk nearly two miles to honor lost loved ones. The All Souls Procession culminates with the ceremonial burning of a community urn filled with messages of love and hope.
The 35th Annual All Souls Procession in Tucson
The procession starts at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 3rd, near Grande Avenue south of Speedway, heading down Grande to Congress Street and concluding in the Mercado District at 100 S. Avenida del Convento.
The procession is expected to arrive at Mercado around 7 or 7:30 p.m., and both participation and viewing are free. There’s also a live-stream available for those who can’t attend in person.
This year’s theme is “Home,” and the event will close with a powerful performance by Odaiko Sonora, Tucson’s traditional Japanese taiko drumming group. Performers Na-il Ali Emmert and the fire circus troupe Flam Chen will also bring their artistry to the celebration.
Before the procession begins, face-painting stations will be available courtesy of Many Mouths One Stomach from noon to 6 p.m. at Mariscos Chihuahua, 1009 N. Grande Ave.; and from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Mercado Courtyard and along Avenida del Convento.
As the route spans about two miles, there are many places to sit and watch along the way. Parking meters are free downtown on weekends, or you can park at various garages around downtown—the closest is the City-State Garage at 498 W. Congress St. Both Sun Tran and Sun Link streetcar rides are free, but be mindful of potential street closures.
How Did Tucson’s All Souls Procession Begin?
The All Souls tradition began in 1990 when local artist Susan Johnson sought a way to honor and grieve her late father. Many Mouths One Stomach, the volunteer-run nonprofit that now organizes the event, describes the procession as “a sanctuary for community members from all walks of life to express their grief and loss in a celebration of creative energy and joy for life.”
After over a decade of holding the All Souls Procession, the organizers felt the need to create a focal point for channeling participants’ grief, love, and joy—thus, the community urn was born. Carried throughout the procession by community volunteers, the urn collects prayers and messages from attendees. Once the procession reaches its final destination in the Mercado District, the urn’s contents—messages, names of those being honored, hopes, and even things to let go of—are ceremonially burned.
You can add your own paper notes during the procession or in advance at the MSA Annex community altar or during the Cacao Ceremony and Little Angels Procession. The Ancestors Project, a slideshow honoring lost loved ones, is also part of the grand finale. You can submit photos on the procession’s website: https://allsoulsprocession.org/projects/ancestors-project/
Will you be attending this heartfelt event?
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