To you who are reading this today. The midday sun is still harsh, but as the sun sets, the breeze has become quite cool. Even in the desert, autumn arrives quietly like this.

At this time of year, the locals start to talk about an event. The Tucson All Souls Procession, a night when the city walks together to honor those who have passed on.

I still vividly remember the first time I saw that procession. Faces painted like skulls, photo frames in hand, the sound of candles and drums went on endlessly. Was it a festival or a funeral? I stood there for a while, confused.

Later, I learned it was both. It was a space where sadness was not hidden, but shared.

It started in 1990, not as a grand plan but as a personal mourning of one individual. Local artist Susan Johnson lost her father and expressed that loss through performance.

She studied art therapy and was influenced by the rituals of various cultures researched by Carl Jung. It was a way of not suppressing grief alone but giving it form and bringing it out.

In 1998, the direction passed to Nadia Hagan-Onuktab, who led the performance group Flam Chen. From this point on, circus performances and musicians were added, shaping the finale ceremony we see today.

Now, the event is organized by a local nonprofit called Many Mouths One Stomach. It's a gathering of artists, teachers, and community activists.

This is why I love this event. It runs without major corporate sponsorship or commercial advertising, driven by the hands of the community.

It's a tradition created by people who felt it was necessary, not because someone told them to. I believe such events last longer and are more solid than festivals planned by government agencies.

Many people think of this as similar to Mexico's Dia de los Muertos. While they may look alike, they are distinctly different events.

Day of the Dead is an ancient indigenous holiday, while the All Souls Procession is a relatively new ritual created by artists. The procession usually takes place on the Sunday following Day of the Dead.

That said, it doesn't draw a hard line. It embraces any cultural way of mourning, and many people in nearby areas incorporate Day of the Dead decorations.

This year, 2026, marks the 37th procession. The main event is on Sunday, November 8, with related events running throughout the weekend starting November 6.

Participants gather on Grande Avenue from 4 PM, and the procession starts at 6 PM. It's best to arrive a bit early to ensure you're on time.

The route goes through the west side of downtown, passing through Menlo Park and Barrio Hollywood neighborhoods. It's a 2-mile procession, entirely moved by the feet and hands of people.

The finale takes place around Mercado, featuring a ceremony to burn the massive steel sculpture The Urn.

This Urn is filled with prayers, photos, and letters written by people. Anyone can place a note for their departed loved ones inside. It's just a piece of paper, but the hands that write are always careful.

At the moment the fire rises, countless people fall silent at once. That stillness is quite strange. It feels like the bustling street collectively takes a breath.

A few years ago, I wrote the name of a friend who passed away. I didn't expect anything grand, but strangely, a part of my heart felt lighter.

We Koreans are used to swallowing our sadness. We quietly observe rituals within the family. There was a time when crying in front of others was frowned upon.

But here, a stranger walks beside me holding a photo of their mother. It's okay not to say a word to each other. Just walking in the same direction is enough.

For those attending for the first time, let me share a few tips. The temperature drops quite a bit after sunset, so be sure to bring a jacket.

Road closures are extensive, so it's better to park far away and walk. Please check the city and organizers' announcements for closure areas and parking information right before the event.

And don't just stand as a spectator; try to join the procession at least once. A single photo or a name is all it takes. Just walk with them.

This is a space where it doesn't matter what your religion is or where you come from. I believe that's the strength that has allowed this event to continue for over 30 years.

This November, I will be on that path again. I haven't found a better way to remember those who have passed for a little longer. It's a bit sad that each year, there's one more name to add.

If you have someone you want to remember, let's walk together that evening. I will write to you again in the cool breeze.