This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Arizona chapter.
Halloween traditions always surface this time of year. Most towns have their own
traditions, whether it be a spooky legend that’s been told for decades or it’s some
kind of pumpkin festival. Tucson’s lengthens its’ eerie season an extra day for their
tradition. November 1 marks the Day of the Dead, which is basically what it sounds
like: a day dedicated to the deceased. If you are going to spend four years in Tucson,
I implore you to go to the All Souls Procession at least once in your UA lifetime. Out
of the entire year, this is perhaps the most prominent Tucson-local tradition. Why
yes, it’s pretty obscure. Think Tim Burton meets Mexican culture. The only reason I
even ended up attending this oddball event is because I thought it would make for
an interesting project for a photojournalism class I was taking at the time. So last
year I marched down to Fourth Avenue in my pink cardigan and camera in hand,
only to be pretty shell-shocked and obviously not prepared for the thousands of
skeletons and bright paper flowers. But the original alarm quickly turned into a type
of chilling-awe. Here’s what to expect!
Basically everyone paints their face as a skull—elderly women, members of the
UA marching band, even babies. There were even dogs disguised in skeleton
costumes. Now I’m not saying run to Michael’s and purchase black and white paint,
because honestly if I were to attend again, I wouldn’t paint my face. I’m simply not
into looking like a skeleton, but I do love seeing what other people come up with!
However, it’s a huge part of the tradition and what really makes the atmosphere.
The procession starts on Fourth Avenue and continues downtown, all the way to the
I-10 underpass where there is a massive circus-esque show with fire twirlers and
acrobats and all sorts of interesting acts. The actual procession is a show of it’s own.
Since the Day of the Dead is dedicated to the deceased, people often carry something
that represents someone who has passed away. Some make little float-type things,
like in a parade, as shrines dedicated to those who have moved on to the afterlife.
The show at the end is definitely interesting, but you’ll most likely get your fill from
the procession. Also, wear shoes you can walk in. My feet hated me after walking all
night in tiny ballet flats.
People are really social and will chat with you. It’s probably because it’s such a
tradition in where the entire community comes together: there is absolutely a
simultaneous atmosphere. Naturally, there will be a few weirdos there. So don’t
be freaked out if someone starts talking to you about the process of creating their
paper flower crown.
Just embrace everything, in all its’ strange glory. One of the amazing things about
going to college is being in a totally different atmosphere and culture. Tucson is
very unique and it’s actually really fun to experience the tradition.