Well, this was a long time coming. I started it, got interrupted, then all of my writing - not brilliant, but time consuming, got deleted- and then it took me 4 months to return to it.
So, here we are! All Souls Procession- it took place November 3, 2019. Last year. I didn’t know what to expect and also wasn’t sure I was going to go, because sometimes parades and crowds and the things where everyone gathers are not always appealing to me. Why is that? Mostly because of parking, honestly. But, this year I was renting a room in a house that was located only a few blocks from the start of the parade and the entire parade circuit (1.5 miles) was going to begin, middle, and end within walking distance of this house. How could I not go. And also, the lovely neighbor painted my face- another unexpected, sweet, and fun thing.
I have to say I loved this and I’m so happy I went. It’s a beautiful tradition, it’s a way to remember the dead which is something I think in the US we don’t do- we are not comfortable with death or anything that reminds us of death, we don’t actively remember those that have died or keep their spirit alive, the elderly are tucked away in institutions. And that’s unfortunate. Because we’re all going to die and hopefully most of us will get old, and then what? I, myself, don’t have a great relationship with death, or keeping the memory of loved ones alive- it’s cliche- but, this parade, dedicated to death and remembrance gives a space to contemplate and think of those that are no longer with us - it is a somber- and also lively- reminder that our time here is limited. And as hard as it is to get up some mornings, this life is precious.
I loved this lady and specifically asked her to pose in front of that car. This was a mistake. She even tried to move out of the way, but I said, no no- I love the yellow. But now instead of yellow I only see the obnoxious headlights and everything else that makes up a car that is not yellow- an aggressive pile of metal.
This was really nice. I madet two ribbons- one for my uncle and one for our friend Betsy.
Even beloved pets are remembered. I like that this lady has her eyes closed.
This gentleman was getting his face painted, and I have photos of this actively happening- but I liked this picture for some reason, I like how the lady is looking at someone out of the frame and how he’s patiently sitting with his eyes closed. His wife, who was nearby, told me that the photo pinned to his jacket was his mother.
It is always striking when the memorials show someone that died recently. And, I guess that’s a gang sign? Or maybe sign language.
Spectating the spectators! My favorite.
These ladies were intense. They started off the procession and they didn’t like you to block them or get too close.
So, I’ll say that I was moving a lot and not really speaking with anyone, so I don’t know any back stories and when I look at these photos now I see that was a mistake because I’d like some back story. This gentleman’s memorial- it’s very beautiful and there are some interesting dolls along the bottom and a very elaborate shrine on the top…but I don’t know anything and sometimes I think it would be worse to ask because it’s too painful to talk about? Though I think lots of people probably enjoy speaking of their loved ones.
In a hair salon.
I love this photo mostly because I love the way they did the menu.
This is a burger place that was full even as the parade was moving past, I think people peeled off and decided to grab a bite before continuing, or just not continuing- this place is 2 blocks after the start of the parade. Also, that guy is very tall and trying to look innocuous.
This is an interesting photo and perhaps I should post the other one, too- but something changed in the millisecond between the two shots where the woman in the middle was super inviting in the first one, and in the second one there’s a flash of irritation on her face. Yet, I like it the best.
I’m posting two dancing photos even though they are nearly identical. Because I think I like them both for different reasons.
This is a terrible photo of a beautiful instance- I saw this young guy carrying his sleeping baby and gazing at him/her- I wanted to capture that affection- so I didn’t want him to pose- but I did tell him later he looked so nice with his baby.
Me with my painted face in a dirty bathroom!
Not sure what’s happening here, but doesn’t she look possessed?
These women! Holy cow, they looked amazing. As I was walking up they were standing together. What happens in this parade is that many people start at the beginning, but many join in wherever they want. When the parade passed them, the woman in the middle, matriarch, took their hands and did this motion, like ok, here we go. It was a motion of conviction, deliberation and forced strength.
Just some antlers.
This young child was doing a lot of talking into that megaphone.
Spectators spectating! Spectating the spectators!
And when it’s all over, people wait for the bus.
And they get drinks.
And they eat.
And they get makeovers and buy hand bags.