Route #2

 October 29, 2016

There were three huge downtown events to choose from this particular weekend.

Mala Luna-2 day conference featuring numerous artists I’ve never heard of ‘cause I’m getting to old for mainstream music madness, tickets starting at $119

Alamo Comic Con-2 day conference, tickets starting at $80

Muertofest-2 day event, free

Bet you can’t guess which one we attended :)

Day of the Dead is a celebration we, as native Tucsonans, are familiar with.  While I may not agree with the celebration in its entirety, I can appreciate the culture of remembrance and honoring of loved ones.  

Aware of what was taking place, the thought of driving downtown intimidated me.  What better opportunity to take the bus?  Stop number 94703 is directly across from our apartments.  It was hot as we stood there and although there was no bench.  Luckily, someone had perfectly placed an overturned grocery cart nearby and we sat there.  Being as far north on the route as we were, Naysia and I were the first ones on the bus.  The fare was $1.30/each.  To my surprise there was a seat in honor of Rosa Parks and that’s where we sat.  

We meandered through the city…slowly.  There were numerous stops, several of the passengers were riding scooters which took time to secure upon boarding and then release at their desired stop.  An hour later the bus was jam packed and we exited with about 15 others and walked to La Villita Historic Arts Village.  

We entered the village and were instantly greeted by people in brightly colored costumes and skull painted faces.  The event catered to interests in those young and old alike. There were altars all around giving honor to those lost.  Tables were lined up for little ones to learn about the holiday and the traditions.  A stage in the corner featured local musicians, poets, and dancers.    Shopping, workshops, and contests kept everyone engaged until nightfall.  

Those coming or going to the Alamo Comic Con would occasionally wander thru dressed as Batman, Wonder Woman, or some unknown character.  Food vendors lined the Maverick plaza.  Naysia had a hamburger and fries, I stood in line for a very long time for the best mini chicken tacos ever!  

Every time we go downtown we discover something new.  We’ve been on the boat tour several times, and each time we pass by the Arneson River Theatre stage.  It wasn’t until this day that we figured out how to get there!  We sat for a couple hours and listened to music, people watched and enjoyed Rico’s free popcorn.

As night fell we could feel the buzz of excitement as the finale was about to begin.  We thought we were in the perfect spot to see the procession of drummers and dancers, but we were wrong.  Frustrated and tired we were going to find the bus stop and heard the drums in the distance behind us.  We stopped and waited and were so glad we did!  Turns out we were front and center to witness the procession.  It was colorful, somber, frightening, joyful, fun and celebratory. The procession concluded with all participants gathering in the center of the Village to dance. 

As we rode the bus through downtown I was grateful we chose this method of transport.  Not only was it considerably less expensive than gas and parking, I didn’t have to navigate through the intense post-event traffic. 

Before we retreated to our bedrooms for the night we discussed numerous things.  We are blessed to have the option to use the bus system.  We are healthy enough to board without assistance.  We can sit where we want.  And we have loved ones to remember.  Cheers to another successful outing.