All Souls Weekend in Tucson 2024, Arizona

One of the most vibrant and unique public ceremonies in North America is held annually at the beginning of November in Tucson, Arizona. People of all cultures gather to remember those who have passed away. Over 150,000 participants usually wear costumes, paint their faces, carry candles, and honor the dead during the 2-mile (3-km) long procession through the city streets.

All Souls Procession (November 3, 2024)

The procession kicks off on the West side, paralleling the Santa Cruz River. People assemble at Speedway & Grande Avenue at 4 pm on November 3, 2024. The parade starts at 6 pm, moving on Grande Avenue to Congress, then turning east on Congress and south on Avenida del Convento. Some of the participants come to honor their relatives or loved ones; other pray for the victims of violence. The procession is led by a huge Urn, which is filled with prayers, hopes, wishes, and messages. The Urn is surrounded by the escort of police and Urn Ambassadors, people, who pass the messages from the attendants. If you haven’t got the written message, you can ask them for a paper and a pencil.

The procession culminates with the “Restoration of Care” ceremony. The ceremony ends when the Urn is set on fire. The Grand Finale, or Burning of the Urn, occurs near the MSA Annex in the Mercado District (intersection of Congress and Avenida Del Convento).

Art and Music

All Souls Procession Weekend features an array of art installations, various performers, and a large number of decorated altars. In 2024, the featured artist of All Souls Procession is Odaiko Sonora, whose music compositions create a unique atmosphere of the event. Other 2024 artists include Fushicho Daiko Dojo, Aki Takahashi, Karen Falkenstrom, and Nicole Stansbury. The public can also enjoy various food trucks and restaurants’ special creative dishes.

Dance of the Dead (November 1-3, 2024)

Dance of the Dead is a 3-day concert series hosted at the MSA Annex Festival Grounds. All-ages events showcase artistic talent from all over the United States, national and local bands, live art, unique wares, and local vendors. Dance of the Dead was created to support the All Souls Procession Weekend. It is the ONLY ticketed event of the weekend—All Proceeds go to keep All Souls Free for All Souls. On November 1, 2024, Zakin.wav will perform at 6 pm, followed by Silent Jay, GFM, Chklz, Jun Wilder. Headlining isJustin Martin, performing from 11 to 12 am. Tickets are $35.

The concert on November 2, 2024, features the Ancestral Cacao Ceremony from 7 to 11 pm with Ricky Abud and Dance and Sound Journey with VEDANT. Ricky Abud guides a heart opening, grounding evening to set intentions for a deep dive into the All Souls Season. Tickets are $35. The final night features Petunia & The Vipers from 9 to 11pm. Tickets are $10. DJ Herm & Friends will also play at the Mercado Courtyard.