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.
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.
