Tucson Celebrates Life and Remembrance at 36th Annual All Souls Procession

Thousands gathered on Tucson’s west side on November 5, 2023, for the city’s 36th Annual All Souls Procession, a heartfelt event dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed away. The procession offers a creative space for community members to honor their deceased through art, music, and collective expression.

Established in 1990 by local artist Susan Johnson, the All Souls Procession is now organized by the non-profit Many Mouths One Stomach. It traditionally takes place on the weekend following Día de los Muertos, allowing participants to reflect on the beauty of life while processing their grief.

Personal Tributes and Creative Expressions

Among the attendees was Clarissa Gastelum, who paid tribute to her son, Oscar Alexander Acedo, who died earlier this year. “He was born on September 3, 1992, and passed away on February 22, 2023,” she shared. Describing him as kind-hearted, Gastelum noted, “Everybody has expressed how kind he was. He loved animals.” In his memory, she organized a golf tournament, donating the proceeds to PACC, a local animal shelter.

Gastelum’s loss was profound, as she mentioned, “I didn’t get to say goodbye to him, so that was rough.” Her story is one of many shared by participants, each representing their personal journeys of grief.

Rebecca Block and her family also contributed to the event by creating a Dala Horse ofrenda, reflecting the memory of her Swedish mother, Kerstin Block, founder of Buffalo Exchange. “It’s been a labor of love,” Block expressed, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in crafting the tribute. “I love the All Souls Procession. We’ve come for many, many years, and it’s super special.”

A Community of Healing and Reflection

Artistic expression plays a vital role in the All Souls Procession. Tanya Jones, the Director of Face Painting for the event, emphasized the emotional connection that occurs during the process. “When someone sits in my chair, I ask them about who they’re honoring today, what their favorite colors are, and we connect on a very personal level. It’s also very relaxing,” she said.

The procession featured a symbolic moment where messages of hope and remembrance were placed into “The Urn.” Jones explained its significance: “It’s a way of bringing closure or honoring them, so your thoughts and memories are put into the urn, and then we send them up into the heavens.”

As the parade progressed from Speedway and Grande to the MSA Annex, participants held high pictures of family, friends, and even pets. The community-funded event aims to unite people of all cultures in love and remembrance.

Gastelum reflected on the emotional support provided by the gathering, saying, “It feels good to be here and to celebrate him, along with everyone else who has had unfortunate losses in their lives. It’s nice to let everybody know they’re still with us.”

The All Souls Procession remains a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, providing a space for healing, connection, and the celebration of life.