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For 50 years, one cheerful figure has embodied the warmth, friendliness, and unmistakable sunshine of the Sun City. Today, Destination El Paso is proud to honor the 50th anniversary of Amigo Man, El Paso’s sunniest ambassador and a lasting symbol of our community’s welcoming spirit. In recognition of this milestone, both the City of El Paso and the County of El Paso will issue resolutions and proclamations celebrating five decades of smiles, friendship, and civic pride.
Amigo Man was officially founded on February 16, 1976, as El Paso continued to define itself as a vibrant border city built on connection, culture, and hospitality. From the very beginning, he was designed to be more than just a character. Amigo Man represented a feeling—one rooted in the Spanish word amigo, meaning friend, and reflective of the genuine warmth locals extend to visitors and neighbors alike. Over the years, that feeling has only grown stronger.
Clive Cochran, a graphic design professor at The University of Texas at El Paso, originally illustrated the character. Cochran’s artistic vision helped bring Amigo Man to life with bold colors, a bright smile, and a joyful personality that felt instantly familiar. His design struck a balance between playful and meaningful, creating an icon that could appeal to children while still resonating with adults who took pride in their city. That timeless design is a major reason Amigo Man has remained recognizable across generations. For nearly five decades, Amigo Man has been a constant presence in the community. He has greeted visitors, appeared at festivals and civic events, and popped up in moments that celebrate El Paso’s culture and togetherness. Generations of El Pasoans have grown up seeing Amigo Man as a friendly face—one that represents home, hospitality, and shared pride. In many ways, his story mirrors the story of the city itself: resilient, welcoming, and full of heart.
To mark this golden anniversary, Destination El Paso will host a 50th Birthday Celebration on February 19 at the Downtown El Paso Visitor Center. Open to the media and the entire community, the event will feature a commemorative statue reveal, birthday cake, photo opportunities, and festive moments designed to bring people together. It’s a chance for longtime fans and new generations alike to celebrate an icon that has quietly shaped El Paso’s identity for half a century.
The celebration doesn’t stop there. In addition to the February 19 event, Destination El Paso has planned a lineup of special activities throughout Amigo Man’s birthday month and continuing through the rest of the year. These moments will give the community even more opportunities to reflect on what Amigo Man represents and to celebrate the values he stands for—friendship, kindness, and civic pride.
Ultimately, this milestone is about more than a mascot. It’s about honoring El Paso’s spirit of friendship and the people who make this city feel like home. We are deeply grateful to the County of El Paso for recognizing Amigo Man’s legacy and for helping commemorate 50 years of sunshine, smiles, and community pride that continue to define the Sun City.
