All Souls' Procession

November 7, 2010

Last night was the All Souls Procession, a uniquely Tucson tradition that many of us consider the cultural event of the year. It began in 1990 with a ritualistic performance by local artist Susan Johnson, who was mourning the death of her father. Inspired by Mexico's Dia de los Muertos holiday, Johnson determined to honor her father in celebration and creativity. Today, the All Souls Procession attracts more than 20,000 participants to the streets of downtown Tucson for a two-mile long procession that climaxes with the burning a large urn filled with the hopes, offerings and wishes for those we have lost.