More than 30 years after a Taco Bell location disappeared from West Seattle, residents gathered to give the restaurant an elaborate sendoff complete with bagpipes, formalwear, flowers, and a 21-bell salute. The unusual memorial, organized by Seattle artist Sunday Nobody, quickly turned into one of the city’s most talked-about viral events.

Held outside the former Taco Bell site at 5258 California Avenue, the funeral leaned fully into the absurdity of mourning a fast-food restaurant that closed decades ago. According to local station KIRO 7, attendees participated in a crying contest while others left tokens of remembrance near a custom-made headstone created for the occasion.

Photos circulating online showed mourners dressed in black suits and dresses while standing around floral arrangements honoring the long-defunct location.…