Local Culture in Tucson

Tucson has several festivals and celebrations that showcase its local arts and cultural heritage. From arts and crafts to rodeos, Tucson accommodates a variety of events that are sure to be enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.

One of the most awaited events in the city is the Tucson Rodeo or Fiesta de los Vaqueros. This week-long activity features a huge non-motorized parade and of course, the highly anticipated rodeo competitions. The Fourth Avenue Street Fair is another fun event in Tucson. Numerous merchants and craftsmen sell a wide array of items including art pieces, furniture, and ornaments.

For Tucson residents, the Halloween celebration doesn't just stop with trick-or-treating or decorating the house with tons of pumpkins. The city has its own All Souls Procession Weekend, a big cultural festival held on the first Sunday of November. This Tucson event aims to remember deceased friends and family members and is participated by thousands of locals who dress up in costumes and gather near the corner of Fourth Avenue and University Boulevard.

The procession is preceded by other activities such as a photography exhibit, a fundraiser event, a vigil, and the Procession of Little Angels. The All Souls Weekend is based on a Mexican celebration known as the Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead but it also incorporates various beliefs from Africa, Celtic, Anglo and Latin American cultures.