NLT Articles and Photos

    Tucson knows how to party, and on Halloween we demonstrate it like everyone else. On October 31, we have our pick of clubs, parties and other events to go to and get in touch with our inner spook. But how does Tucson wind down after the festivities? We don’t. November 8, 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of a beloved post Halloween event we call All Souls Procession. The procession, which actually originated as a performance piece by artist Susan Johnson, has evolved into a massive parade. A moving work of art in the style of the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos, this party has it all: food, music, entertainment of all kinds, and art installations throughout.
    Starting at 6pm on 4th Ave, the Procession is a taste of the strange and wonderful for our regular nightlifers. The purpose of this event is to remember those who have passed, and celebrate life and death. Many Mouths One Stomach, the group that has organized the event for so long, calls the Procession an example of “festal culture,” meaning it is a way of gaining closure and/or expressing oneself through public rituals and celebrations. The parade is planned for nearly half the year by artists and volunteers who help make masks and puppets of all sizes. About 20,000 people participate each year, making it one of our most popular nightlife traditions.
    Interested in taking part? Get involved a little, or dive in! You can help make masks and puppets at the weekly workshops (check the link below for more details), attend the Support All Souls Procession Benefit on October 16th at Hotel Congress, or simply show up at the procession if you’re wanting to check it out. The actual procession is free of charge and open to all ages. The organizers of the event encourage anyone to join in, but please, do not behave in an inappropriate way. Many Mouths makes it clear in their website that this event should be safe to take your great grandmother to. So break out of your shell, but don’t break into anyone else’s. The goal is to avoid the need for police assistance.
    Another very cool way to get involved? Send a picture! If you have a picture of a deceased relative you wish to honor, you can submit it at the All Souls Procession website! The photo is put in the archive as part of the digital altar, and the image is projected along with others on the procession’s route. It’s just one of the very cool ways you can remember your ancestors and be a part of this fantastic event. Listing all of the amazing details would take too long, but if you’re interested in this or something similar, check out the All Souls website for lots of cool ways to participate.
    The finale of the event is the burning of a giant urn which is filled with mementos, prayers and hopes submitted by participants. Again, anyone can join in and add something to the urn. It’s a beautiful, ceremonious end to a wonderful Tucson tradition. The Procession isn’t the typical party; it’s really a place where you are encouraged to break out of your ordinary routine and do what you feel like. Celebrate your loved ones in a way that feels right to you, express yourself in a way that you haven’t been able to before. Please visit any of the websites below to get involved in any capacity or simply find out more about All Souls Procession.

Links:
www.allsoulsprocession.org
www.manymouths.org
www.fourthavenue.org