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Parade of the Lost Souls
Category: Local Flavour Local Flavour [Edit]
Grandview ParkCommercial Dr
Vancouver, BC
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
7 reviews for Parade of the Lost Souls
7 reviews in English
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Review from Megan S.
12/15/2008 2 photos
Oh, I've been meaning to write a review of the parade since it happened in late October. It takes place every year, the Saturday BEFORE Halloween. Which I think is a great idea- there's already so much to do on Halloween, that it's nice to not have to decide amongst many great options.
The parade
-lots of costumes
-lots of drums
-lots of neighborhood participation (decorated houses, entertaining performances)
-and yes, an actual parade
It takes place along Commercial. It's a fun ride on the skytrain that night, because you'll see all sorts of outfits as people flock to the parade. It really is an institution of Vancouver. You have to go at least once, but why not go every year? -
Review from Reena M.
Updated - 10/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Secret Souls walk was still really cool. This year they had things like square dance lessons and putting your head through a table in preparation for someone's dinner.
I thought last year was a bit better though and here are the only reasons why:
-The start point, the community center, was a lot easier to find last year. This year we somehow started half way because we thought it was the start.
-It felt really crowded this year, but maybe that's because I went earlier last year.
-The Thriller Dance
-This year's theme of being a look into Vancouver's history wasn't very apparent to me. Last year's walk was interesting because the walks on the side walk in between the alleys had signs posted of sayings by "secret souls" or something and it was very interesting to read. The only thing I felt related to the theme this year was having signs posted of downtown Vancouver's famous hotels and theaters in the first alley.
That being said, I still thought it was pretty awesome.Listed in: Yelp Vancouver 30 day…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/2/2010
This was a lot of fun this year! But of course, I never went previously so I have nothing to compare… Read more »
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Review from Roanna Z.
9/12/2010
I know no one wants to give up on Summer just yet, but for me as Fall enters our seasonal stage I can't help but to look forward to the highlights of the coming season.
My favourite holiday is Halloween, and immediately afterward, Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead.
Here in Vancouver it is known as the Parade of the Lost Souls.
On this night we celebrate our lost ancestors with photographs and lit candles, some fireworks and a procession with music and costume, and shrines created to celebrate our loved ones who have past.
I have found the activity of shrine building to be quite healing. It gives us the chance to connect spiritually with our lost loved ones, or in the least to spend some moments remembering them while celebrating the things they loved the most in life.
Vancouver's Parade of Lost Souls is a chance for anyone to open their mind and learn something about this day, enjoy the many art exhibits, and participate in an event that is celebrated throughout Hispanic cultures globally.
The event is early this year, set for October 30th.
*A fundraiser event is set for Sept 24th. A large party to celebrate the anniversary of Public Dreams and raise funds for the Parade which takes place on Commercial Drive.
http://publicdreams.or...
How do other cities celebrate?
In San Francisco: http://tinyurl.com/37c...Listed in: Vancouver street Festivals.
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Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
12/4/2008 1 photo
Parade of the Lost Souls is organized by the Public Dreams Society (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...), but I really feel it deserves it's only piece of the Local Flavor pie.
My favorite Vancouver event, Parade of the Lost Souls evokes traditions from the Mexican Day of the Dead festivities and Halloween. For one night (the Saturday preceding Halloween), Commercial Drive shuts down and costumed locals parade through the streets dancing as a celebration of life and death.
Think four blocks of crazy costumes, bands, light shows, food vendors, and friendly folk. People who live on and around the Drive decorate with amazing creativity and the community comes out to support this treasured event.
My tips? Get there early and start wandering, it's a must to dress in a costume (say my rules), and take your camera. -
Review from Dani B.
4/28/2009
Local flavor, indeed!
This place is up for anyone with an open mind and a good sense of adventure. Commercial drive turns into a huge street party (only this party is like 13 blocks long). Dancers, acrobats, flame throwers and fire swallowers all come together to put on a show that you won't believe.
Dress up in your costume and bring an extra layer (Holloween can be quite chilly) and you will surely have an amazing time. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
1/13/2009
Parade of Lost souls is weird. It doesn't quite have the place in my heart that the lantern festival does, but it's not for lack of trying. I still go every year and I still somewhat enjoy myself, so it's definitely worth it if you're in the Halloween spirit.
It's kind of a bit of everything but logistically, at least from the 20something perspective, it's just a good chance to show off your costume. Or if you're hardcore like some of my friends, show off another costume unrelated to your "real" halloween costume. It's fun to just talk and interact with people.
Most of the other stuff is kind of to family related or Hippy-ish for my tastes but you can sometimes get mini donuts, so I approve! It really is worthwhile if you've got a sweet costume and a good group of friends to go wandering with. -
Review from Clarissa S.
1/12/2009
I had the pleasure of experiencing this night a few years ago and was just taken aback by the overwhelming sense of community and energy coming off of everyone at the celebration. You had people opening up their homes and haunted houses to strangers, and the old and the young alike dressed up. Definitely very memorable and highly recommended.
