Dia de Los Muertos – 36th Annual Tucson All Souls Procession

Día de los Muertos (Spanish for “Day of the Dead”) is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, dedicated to honoring and remembering deceased loved ones. It’s a vibrant, spiritual, and joyful occasion that blends Aztec rituals honoring the dead with the Spaniards’ Catholic All Saints’ Day. Traditionally, families build colorful altars decorated with photos of the deceased, marigolds, candles, favorite foods of their loved ones, and sugar skulls (calaveras).

To celebrate, each year thousands of people gather near downtown Tucson for a procession and ceremony. Many dress up with skeleton facepaint and colorful outfits, and bring art or photos to remember deceased loved ones.

Nov. 9, 2024, Assembles at 4pm, Procession starts at 6pm

Location: Procession assembles on Grande Avenue (south of Speedway Boulevard) at 4pm and starts at 6 pm. It marches directly south on Grande Ave to Congress St, then left to the Mercado District. Procession ends near the MSA Annex, where the “Restoration of Care” ceremony and burning of the URN takes place. (The walk is approximately 1.5 – 2 miles.)

Honor what is personal to you! Dress up, make a mask, a puppet, an art installation, an altar to honor those who have gone before, who we remember, honor, release, and embrace. (Please remember– that this is a funeral – NOT a political event.)

If you can’t make it in-person, you can watch the All Souls Procession Live Stream — with films, interviews and front row viewing.

More detailed information here.