This month is chock full of fall goodies, like pumpkin spice everything, cooler weather and Halloween traditions. The crazy train to spooky-town won’t stop until it reaches the end of the month, culminating on the one day we can celebrate all things macabre and brandish any costume we wish. We paid Henry Flores, President of the Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society a visit to find out more about their plans this month.
Q. Please remind us who you are and what the Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society is please.
A. We are the Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society, Inc. (Ghosts915) a 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic landmarks in Texas. We are a philanthropic organization that is part of the TAPS Family from the SyFy TV Show Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures from the Travel Channel. Not only do we provide free paranormal investigations, but we also have ghost tours year round benefitting El Paso landmarks.
Q. Do you feel that having your offices in the heart of downtown helps with your history and ghost tours?
A. We feel that it benefits Downtown El Paso’s revitalization for us to have our offices here, not just our tours and events. We are a combination of a Museum, Art Gallery, Café and Research Center inside the former Wigwam Saloon (1883). Aside from nightclubs, we are the only ones here (so far) at night with large, fun crowds. Where else can you see our collection of “haunted artifacts”, paranormal art, the heart of a baby vampire, and watch a classic horror movie in the southwest? Besides that, we have Twinkies!
Q. You have a Coffin Exhibit running until November 1st – has this ever been done and is there genuine interest? These coffins are hand-crafted, who is the artisan/s that made them?
A. El Paso is blessed with such creative art and artists. Mimi Nyteshade is the artist who created these coffins, by hand, and sells them at an amazing price. These are small coffins perfect for jewelry.
Q. Can you tell us more about the FREE Las Altares (Altar) workshop happening this Saturday, Oct 25?
A. Frank Varela is a storyteller, actor, historian, and teacher for the traditional ways on how to celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). In this free workshop, you will learn the different components of an altar, and the symbolism behind them. You will also learn how to create a beautiful altar inexpensively, and using mostly items that you can find around your home. It starts at 1pm at 108 E San Antonio.
Q. This Saturday you will also be having the “Show us your orbs” brothel tour, what can people expect?
A. October is breast cancer awareness month and we are doing our part in helping to raise money to fight against this disease. So, “Show Us Your Orbs” is a unique way to be a part of Passionately Pink. Wear your favorite pink outfit this Saturday, get a lapel pin from Susan G Komen for the Cure, and investigate buildings with us during our Haunted Brothel Tour. El Paso’s brothel history is as legendary as the Old West and our tour guides will take you inside two buildings known to be frequented for “negotiated affection”.
Q. With so much change in downtown, El Paso, like demolitions and reconstruction of buildings, do you believe this displaces spirits that are possibly in haunted spaces?
A. We don’t believe it displaces ghosts, we believe that it causes more and more paranormal activity. For example, moving the furniture around in the living room takes time to adjust because your mind is used to it being in another location, ghosts are the same way. It stirs activity but not in a bad or evil way.
Q. What more can we expect from the Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society in the future?
A. We have our Dia De Los Muertos Festival Saturday, November 1st at Concordia Cemetery, which is a celebration of life in the traditional latin holiday. Not only will we be bringing more paranormal evidence to our office (108 E San Antonio) but we are planning the Sun City Steam fest November 14th and 15th, at Tricky Falls and the Rock House.
Like us on Facebook, because we are planning a spin off to a popular art walk in Downtown El Paso! #ItsHappeningEP
For more information (915) 274-9531
