The Richmond Halloween Parade returned for its 19th year, hosted by All The Saints Theater Company. A Richmond tradition, this parade has always been more than just a celebration—it’s a platform for protest. This year’s theme, A Funeral March for Silence, served as a tribute to Palestine and all communities worldwide fighting for their existence. Voices were raised not just for Palestine, but for Appalachia, Lebanon, Congo, Yemen, and Sudan – a call to “decolonize your mind” and “free your voice,” with the powerful message that Silence is Dead.
The parade featured large-scale puppets, including Appalachian opossums, raccoons, and the “De-evolution monkey of decolonization,” marching alongside massive skeletons and river puppets. It was a spirited celebration, blending art and defiance with tradition and creativity, led by Richmond’s favorite local bands.
Photographer Michael Simon’s striking images captured the crowd in full spirit, making it a fitting farewell to Halloween 2024. See you next year, Richmond.
