Photos: Arizona Daily Star photographer Mamta Popat's best images of 2023
The year-end wrap for photographer Mamta Popat. Popat has been at the Arizona Daily Star since 2003.
Brett Tracy
Brett Tracy started collecting and restoring old kerosene lamps a little over four years ago. His row-house apartment in the Dunbar Spring Neighborhood has the usual complement of wall switches and electric light fixtures, but Tracy rarely uses them. Instead, he chooses to illuminate his place the way it was probably lit when the adobe structure was first built in 1895: with kerosene lanterns, like the ones he has fashioned into functional objects of old-timey art.
Lydia Reis (The Umbrella Lady)
Denise Wiscount says she printed out butterflies and pasted them onto a clear umbrella to bring to the memorial event for Lydia Reis (The Umbrella Lady) at Tohono Chul Park in Tucson, Ariz. on January 30, 2023. Reis died on Jan. 8 after being struck by a vehicle on Jan. 5 along Ina Road. Many people brought umbrellas as a way to honor Reis who was always spotted with one.
98th annual Tucson Rodeo Parade
Lucas Enriquez tries to keep warm under a blanket as he waits for the start of the 98th annual Tucson Rodeo Parade in Tucson, Ariz. on February 23, 2023. The parade started in 1925 and is believed to be the largest non-motorized parade in the country.
Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo
Taite Stickler, from California, takes a rest in the bed of a truck during the Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo at the Tucson Rodeo grounds, 4823 S 6th Ave in Tucson, Ariz. on February 21, 2023. Stickler says this is his first time competing in Tucson, his event is the steer wrestling. The rodeo continues through Sunday, the gates open at 11:00 a.m. each day.
Tucson Weather
A person uses a trash bag to keep themselves dry as they walk across Second Street on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Ariz. on March 22, 2023.
Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair
Chris Malandrini, left, performs bluegrass music during the Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair in Tucson, Ariz. on March 24, 2023. Malandrini accompanied his wife from Oregon and decided to perform his original songs as she sells leather handbags. The fair, in its 54th year, is produced by the North Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, Inc., a local nonprofit. Hundreds of artists sell their work and is a bi-annual event. The fair continues today from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair
Greta Truhn enjoys her ride on the Euro Bungy during the Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair in Tucson, Ariz. on March 24, 2023. The fair, in its 54th year, is produced by the North Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, Inc., a local nonprofit. Hundreds of artists sell their work and is a bi-annual event. The fair continues today from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Overflow housing for Migrants
A migrant mother waits in one of the guest rooms at the Quality Inn, in Tucson, Ariz., with her child to make travel arrangements to another state on May 16, 2023. With the end of Title 42, the pandemic-era measure that allowed the federal government to expel some migrants from the country immediately, there’s been an influx of asylum seekers. The city of Tucson and Pima County have contracted with area hotels to provide transitional housing for migrants as they purchase bus and plane tickets to their final destinations.
Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm
While wearing their fairy wings, Pamela Thompson, left, and Phyllis Christie, walk by the lavender field in bloom at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road in Oracle, Ariz. on June 1, 2023.
Monsoon, 2023
Aurora Apodaca, left, lets out a laugh as she plays in the aftermath of a monsoon storm with Oscar Stump on the west side of Tucson Monday afternoon.
Night-blooming Cereus
Flower enthusiasts approach one of the night-blooming cereus (Peniocereus greggii) under a rising sun the morning after the Annual Bloom Night at Tohono Chul Park on July 25, 2023 in Tucson, Ariz. The night-blooming cereus or Queen of the Night begins to bud with the summer heat, eventually unveiling fragrant flowers that last for just one night.
First Day of School for SUSD, 2023
A student spends time on the playground before the bell rings on the first day of school at Elvira Elementary School, 250 W Elvira Rd Tucson, Ariz. on August 2, 2023. Students were welcomed back to school with the Sunnyside Unified School District.
New Sloth habitat at Reid Park Zoo, 2023
Gwen, a four-year old Linné’s two-toed sloth, hangs out in his new habitat at the Reid Park Zoo, which was revealed to the public on Tuesday August 15, 2023 in Tucson, Ariz. The habitat features a mural by local artist Alejandra Trujillo, showing a South American dreamscape from the sloth's point of view. The sloth habitat was built as a part of the Zoo’s Master Plan. Gwen was born at the Audubon Zoo in Louisiana.
9/11 Tower Challenge
The Tucson Fire Department hangs the American flag from a ladder truck outside of the Tucson Convention Center as part of the annual 9/11 Tower Challenge in Tucson, Ariz. on September 11, 2023. Approximately 1,300 participants climbed 2,071 steps in order to honor the first responders who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Fall foliage on Mount Lemmon
The fall season has taken hold in the Bear Wallow area as leaves begin to change on Mount Lemmon in Tucson, Ariz. on October 24, 2023. Bursts of color can be found along the Aspen Trail, Summerhaven and the Ski Valley area.
34th Annual All Souls Procession
A performer breathes out a fire ball during the 34th Annual All Souls Procession in Tucson, Ariz. on November 5, 2023.
Breakfast with Santa
Victoria Soltero hugs her new teddy bear as she looks over at Santa Claus during the annual Breakfast with Santa event, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police at Little Anthony's Diner, 7010 E Broadway Blvd. in Tucson, Ariz. on December 13, 2023. Two hundred and fifteen underprivileged students from 33 schools were selected to enjoy a free breakfast, a performance by Kids Unlimited, a photo with Santa and gift bags filled with goodies. According to Sue Earley, coordinator, the breakfast has been happening for about 30 years and the kindergarten through third graders are nominated by their teachers and school counselors.
San Xavier del Bac Mission
After setting up the Nativity scene at the San Xavier del Bac Mission, Ivan Burrell, a custodian, says he always greets the figurines and thanks them for their presence on December 20, 2023. Burrell has been setting up the scene for 23 years. Susie Moreno, a restoration specialist, recently completed a restoration on the figurines and the backdrop. Moreno started as an apprentice and is now called on to repair and restore important features inside and out of the historic mission.
Pima CC Women's Basketball
Annalise Holthaus, of Pima Community College, second from left, looks up at her coach and father, after shouting out to her teammates on the court during a game against Ottawa University in Tucson on Oct. 16, 2023. Amelie Buffill-Gutierrez, second from right, laughs.
Arizona Women's Basketball Media Day
Esmery Martinez, left, and Salimatou Kourouma pose together with the flag of Mali during the UA Women's Basketball Media day in McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on October 2, 2023.
No. 18 Oregon Ducks at No. 15 Arizona Wildcats women's basketball
Arizona Wildcats forward Cate Reese (25) is defended by Oregon Ducks center Phillipina Kyei (15) as Arizona Wildcats forward Esmery Martinez (12) and Oregon Ducks guard Chance Gray (2) watch the shot in the first half during a game at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on January 8, 2023.
No. 18 Oregon Ducks at No. 15 Arizona Wildcats women's basketball
Arizona Wildcats forward Cate Reese (25) eyes the basket in the first half during a game at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on January 8, 2023.
Arizona Wildcats vs. University of San Diego Women’s basketball
San Diego Toreros forward Harsimran Kaur (23) gets a couple of fingers on the ball as Arizona Wildcats forward Breya Cunningham (25) tries to make a basket in the second half during a game at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on November 14, 2023. Arizona won 79-66.
Washington State at Arizona women's basketball
Arizona Wildcats guard Shaina Pellington (1) loses the ball as Washington State Cougars guard Astera Tuhina (11) and Washington State Cougars guard Tara Wallack (1) defend in the first half during a game at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on January 29, 2023.
Colorado at Arizona Women's Basketball
Arizona Wildcats forward Cate Reese (25) looks to make the pass in the first half during a game against Colorado at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on February 19, 2023.
Arizona Wildcats (12) vs. Morgan State Bears
Arizona Wildcats center Oumar Ballo (11) lets out a scream after a slam dunk in the first half during a game against Morgan State at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on November 6, 2023.
Arizona Wildcats (12) vs. Morgan State Bears
Arizona Wildcats guard Conrad Martinez (55) makes a drive towards the basket against Morgan State defenders in the second half during a game at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on November 6, 2023. Arizona won 122-59.
Arizona Wildcats vs Seattle Redhawks in women’s basketball
Arizona Wildcats guard Jada Williams (2) tosses up the ball as Seattle Redhawks forward Lisa Michaelsen (34) defends in the second half during a game at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on December 31, 2023. Arizona won 89-52.
40th El Tour de Tucson
A pack of riders in the 102-mile race sprint down Cushing Street towards the finish line during the Banner-University Medicine 40th El Tour de Tucson in Tucson, Ariz. on November 18, 2023.
Mamta Popat
Photojournalist