How to Join Tucson's All Souls Procession
A great time to visit Arizona, especially Tucson, is in the fall. Not only because the summer heat has burned itself away, but also because that’s when the annual All Souls Procession takes place. The All Souls Procession snakes its way down funky Fourth Avenue, paying homage to all souls who have passed on to their next life. You need not dress up in honor of a dead person to join, but you are more than welcome. Everyone is welcome. So, join along with thousands of others who march every year. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Dress up. You don’t have to don a costume but make sure to wear good walking shoes. If you do want to dress up, keep in mind this is not a Halloween parade. Folks may be dressed as skeletons or ghosts, but that is because they are dressed up to honor the dead. Giant masks, full makeup and even dogs dressed as skeletons join the crew. You can wear something as simple as your grandmother’s favorite dress in her honor. Or, go all out and make a giant float of your long, lost pet.
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Show up. Starting time for the procession is always 6:00 p.m. on the second Sunday in November. Arrive early, as many do. Go anywhere south of University Place on Fourth Avenue and you will see crowds of people waiting to watch or participate. You will definitely know you’re in the right place.
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Volunteer. In addition to showing up to watch or march in the procession, you can really take part in it by volunteering for one of the many duties available with Many Mouths, One Stomach, the organization that coordinates the procession every year. Contact them through the links below well in advance of the procession. Volunteer slots fill up early.
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Take photos. Capture some of the visual amazement and awesome costumes on film. Since the procession is at night, make sure your flash works and expect to put your camera on a low-light setting if it has one. Zoom lens close-ups and wide shots of gargantuan floats, stilt walkers and puppets will all be yours for the taking.
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Be prepared to have fun. Even if you don’t want to march along with the rest of the procession, simply standing on the sidelines offers great enjoyment. With music, festivity and often bass drums that beat loudly, you will be sucked into the excitement whether you are trying to or not.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Ryn Gargulinski
