Let your self-expression take the lead this Sunday as Tucsonans dress up to celebrate the lives of departed loved ones.
The All Souls Procession is a large Tucson event where more than 120,000 people walk to reflect on life and remember those who are no longer with us.
It's free to take part and this year's route begins in the historic Barrio Hollywood neighborhood, follows the Santa Cruz River and ends with a finale at the MSA Annex.
Read more about the event and how to participate in a meaningful way here.
Dressing up is certainly a big element of the procession. And while some may have been working on a costume or mobile altar for weeks, others are still figuring out how they want to honor the people they love.
Here are some ideas and places in town to check out to help get you started on the best costume yet.
But really, at the end of the day it's all how you choose to celebrate. Get creative and have a great time.
The makeup
2016 All Souls Procession in Tucson, Ariz.
There are plenty of beautiful and amazing face-painting creations among the participants of the procession, so it's hard to choose a favorite style or look. Many parade goers will typically don skeleton makeup, which is inspired by sugar skulls from the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos.
If you're in a pinch and don't have a lot of change to spare, try digging through your own makeup bag. A foundation or concealer a couple shades lighter than your natural skin tone will provide the effect of a ghostly appearance. Eyeliner and things like shadow or liquid lipstick (just make sure it's okay to use on the face!) can also provide the detail you need to really make the look come out of the afterlife.
This look, Liquid lipstick was used to accent skeleton makeup. Concealer, eyeliner and mascara were also used on the face.
Face paint is also a wonderful option as it safe to be worn on the skin and you can make a bunch of fun looks with just a couple colors.
Our advice is to skip tubed cream face paint you find at Halloween stores as they typically have a hard time drying down and are a little fussy to work with.
Instead, go for a caked face paint that activates with a little splash of water. Some faves we like include Snazaroo, Kryolan Aquacolor and Diamond FX.
A couple of sponges and cheap brushes should do the trick for perfect application. Plus, a little goes a long way so you can save some paint for next year.
Here's a video we made to help you put all that stuff on your face:
Places to find face paint in town:
• Tucson Thrift Shop / 319 N. 4th Avenue / Open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. / 520-623-8736
• Gaslight Costume Shoppe / 7004 E. Broadway Blvd. / Open Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / 520-886-1046
• Michaels Stores locations / 7150 E. Broadway Blvd. /4070 N. Oracle Road / 1161 W Irvington Rd / 3749 W Ina Rd / Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
And if you don't think you'll be able to pull off a fierce makeup lewk on your own, head to the start of the procession early and scout out the face painting tents by the food trucks. Glitter Girl AZ will be hosting a face painting gathering at the Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande Ave. from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Find more information here.
Hotel Congress is also transforming into Face Paint Town on Sunday, Nov. 4, from noon to 6 p.m. There will be music, food, drinks, and free face painting. Find more information here.
The outfit
2016 All Souls Procession in Tucson, Ariz.
Stick with something that is fun and true to how you want to celebrate All Souls.
Before you start shopping for a new clothes, try digging through your closet to see if you might already have something on hand.
Most parade attendees dress in things that are inspired by the southwest and Mexican culture, including western button-up shirts, folklorico skirts and cowboy boots. Accessories like shawls, flower crowns and parasols can also transform everyday clothes into a fashion moment.
Keep in mind the parade route is about 1.5 miles long, so if you're walking, go for something you can move and feel comfortable in.
Here's a video we made to help with some inspiration:
If you find yourself shopping for a few things, hunt down a killer deal by cruising the racks of your nearby thrift shop or check out the Halloween clearance section at some of big-box stores. We're looking at you Target and Spirit Halloween.
Clothing places
• Goodwill of Southern Arizona / There are more than 15 locations in Tucson. Find the one nearest you here. / Open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Savers / 5845 E. Broadway Blvd. / Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. / 520-571-2001
• Spirit Halloween / There are more than 5 locations in Tucson. Find the one nearest you here./ Open daily till Friday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. / 866-586-0155
• Tucson Thrift Shop / 319 N. 4th Avenue / Open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. / 520-623-8736
• Gaslight Costume Shoppe / 7004 E. Broadway Blvd. / Open Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / 520-886-1046
If you need help creating an elaborate flower crown, Creative Tribe is hosting a workshop at Borderlands Brewery on Saturday, Nov. 3. Tickets start at $40, find more information here.
If you go: All Souls Procession
• The Procession of the Little Angels, for children and families, is 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at Armory Park, 221 S. 6th Ave.
• The All Souls Procession begins in Barrio Hollywood on the corner of N. Grande Avenue and W. Speedway Blvd., heads south on Grande to W. Saint Mary's Road, then a turn on Bonita Avenue to the finale site on W. Congress and Bonita. Gathering starts Sunday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. with the procession beginning at 6. Participants can join at any point along the route.
Find more information here.
