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 November 4, 2013 / Modified nov 4, 2013 3:26 p.m.

All Souls Procession: Celebrating Cycle of Life

Annual rite unites participants, spectators in commemoration of lost loved ones; 40,000 take part.
by Mark McLemore

allsouls wide spotlight1 40,000 took part in the annual All Souls Procession in downtown Tucson.
Yoohyun Jung

An estimated 40,000 people took part in Tucson’s 24th Annual All Soul’s Procession on Sunday.

The new route for the procession entered downtown Tucson from the north through the Sixth Avenue underpass and covered nearly two miles before culminating in the grand finale performance at Mercado San Agustin.

Participants typically dress in black and wear skull-like face paint, often carrying photos of deceased friends, relatives and pets.

Listen:

Photos from the procession:

allsouls groom spotlight The skeleton groom looks on as his bride (not pictured) prepares for the march.
Yoohyun Jung
allsouls candle spotlight A woman in a mask celebrates the souls of her father at the 24th All Souls Procession in downtown Tucson.
Yoohyun Jung
allsouls bagpipe spotlight Men dressed in Scottish bagpiper attire play joyous music as they pass the 6th Avenue underpass during the 24th All Souls Procession.
Yoohyun Jung
allsouls skeleton robot spotlight A robot skeleton leads a march of costumed people at the 2013 All Souls Procession down the 6th Avenue underpass.
Yoohyun Jung
MORE: Arts and Life, Culture, News, People and Places, Tucson
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