Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them.
George Eliot
Sunday, Nov. 6, the annual event — now in its 27th year — will wend its way through downtown with thousands honoring those who have touched their lives and passed on. Mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends, pets — if a life has been impacted by a presence, it is remembered and honored through this remarkable event.
Dancers and musicians mixed with people who may carry photos, hoist shrines, wear costumes and face paint, will follow a giant urn through the two-mile route. At the end of the procession the urn, filled with messages, names, blessings and hope from participants, will be set on fire, the smoke sending the thoughts heavenward.
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It’s an almost holy event, run entirely by volunteers. It’s cathartic, and a celebration.
More than 100,000 are expected to participate this year. Meet a few of them.