Arizona, United States — Events
Tucson Meet Yourself
Each October for the last 30 years, Tucson Meet Yourself has celebrated the faces of Tucson’s many ethnic groups. Experience a weekend of artwork, singing, dancing and food from over 30 different ethnicities in the downtown area. The variety of local performers bears testament to the region’s cultural and ethnic diversity.
All Souls Procession Weekend
One of the largest festivals in Tucson, All Souls Procession is celebrated annually on the first weekend of November. Inspired by the Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), thousands of people in morbid costumes gather to acknowledge the deceased and the ‘grand mystery’ of death. Experience the Fine Art Photography Exhibition, the Evolving Community Altar, Dance of the Dead and the Procession of Little Angels. On Sunday evening the All Souls Procession snakes through the historic Fourth Avenue to the culmination of the entire festival, the Grand Finale.
Fiesta de los Vaqueros
Another popular event held in early spring is the Fiesta de los Vaqueros (the Tucson Rodeo). While the Fiesta is a sporting event, it includes what has been declared the world’s largest non-mechanized parade. The Rodeo Parade is such a popular event that schools give two rodeo days off instead of Presidents Day. Traditional Western attire is seen throughout the city during the Fiesta, marking the beginning of the rodeo season in the United States. This is the premiere event of the rodeo year, not to be missed.
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show
The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is held annually for two weeks in February. It is one of the leading shows of its kind in the world, featuring many of the finest mineral specimens. Dozens of locations spread across town participate and the show has an estimated attendance of over 50,000 people, including experts, collectors, dealers, researchers and retailers. Various museums and universities, including the Smithsonian Institution, have displayed materials at the show.
