The Candlelight Vigil

Varia
By Gabriel Segré
English

Every year Elvis Presley fans go on a pilgrimage to Graceland (Memphis), to the grave of the dead singer. In the week of August 16, the day of Presley’s death, a multitude of commemorations and various ceremonies are organized in his memory. These are orchestrated by Presley Enterprises, which holds the rights to exploit Presley’s image and name and manages the cult of the singer. The rite of the Candlelight Vigil is no doubt one of the most spectacular homages paid to Elvis. In 1997 some 30,000 fans, carrying lighted candles, took part in this long and slow procession to Presley’s grave, where they laid their gifts and offerings. This rite illustrates the fans’ religious fervor and way in which the cult of the singer is maintained.

Keywords

  • Elvis Presley
  • rite
  • cult
  • fans
  • community
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