One of El Paso's most popular October traditions is back. The Annual Concordia Sundown Walk with the Spirits, hosted by the Concordia Heritage Association, returns on Saturday, October 4th, offering visitors a chance to step into the past and meet the figures who shaped El Paso's history.
The event is a unique living history tour where costumed reenactors bring to life some of the city's most notable residents. Previously known as "Walk Thru History," the tradition was revived in 2022 with a fresh approach, moving from daytime to nighttime for a cooler, more seasonally fitting experience. Each year brings a new theme, ensuring no two walks are alike.
This year's theme, "Healers and the Holy," highlights the doctors, nurses, and clergy who played vital roles in early El Paso. Among them is Anna Luise Dietrick, a young nurse who intended to pass through El Paso but instead left a lasting impact on health care in the Borderland. Dietrick was later recognized by the Texas State Legislature for her contributions to the nursing profession and is memorialized in stained glass at St. Alban's Episcopal Church.
Also featured is Reverend Joseph Wilkin Tays, one of the first Protestant clergymen in El Paso. Known for founding St. Clement's Church in the late 1870s, he also helped shape the city as an experienced land surveyor. His family's legacy still echoes across El Paso through local landmarks and street names.
Concordia Cemetery isn't just a historic site, it's one of El Paso's most recognizable landmarks, drawing visitors from across the globe. Known as the "City of the Dead," the cemetery is the final resting place of pioneers, Buffalo Soldiers, outlaws, and community leaders. Its layered history has even earned it international recognition through appearances on paranormal shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures, which cemented its reputation as one of the most haunted cemeteries in the Southwest.
The 2025 Sundown Walk with the Spirits takes place on Saturday, October 4th at Concordia Cemetery. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the event is open to all ages. Guests will have the chance to meet characters from El Paso's past, explore the historic grounds, and enjoy an evening that blends history, heritage, and a touch of the supernatural.
Concordia continues to stand as a cultural cornerstone of El Paso, reminding visitors that the stories of the city live on, sometimes in ways that feel very much alive.