If you grew up in El Paso then you know that El Paso’s most iconic mascot is none other than Amigo Man! And Everyone’s favorite mascot is now turning the big 5-0 and El Pasoans are invited to celebrate the milestone!
Since his debut in 1976, Amigo Man has been far more than a mascot. He’s been a familiar face at community events, cultural celebrations, sporting events, and tourism initiatives. For 50 years, Amigo Man has been welcoming visitors with a smile, spreading friendship, and quietly doing what El Paso does best, which is making everyone feel at home.
Now, Destination El Paso and the City of El Paso are inviting the community to celebrate a golden milestone with a 50th birthday celebration for the city’s most iconic ambassador.
Courtesy: Michelle Salazar
Courtesy: Michelle Salazar
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Amigo Man Holds A Special Place in My Heart
My favorite photo I have of Amigo man was a recent one taken a few years ago. My family was out at an event at El Paso’s civic center and Amigo Man decided to hand my grandma a rose.
My family was able to snap a photo of the precious moment and it’s one of my favorite photos because my grandma looked so happy in that moment. She passed away last year, and during her finals day, my grandma preferred to always stay home but on occasion my family would convince her to go out. This was one of those days and Amigo man made the special outing that much better with his random act of kindness.
Courtesy: Iris Lopez
Courtesy: Iris Lopez
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El Paso is Invited To Celebrate Amigo Man’s 50th Birthday
The celebration takes place Thursday, February 19, at the Downtown El Paso Visitor Center, located at 1 Civic Center Plaza. The event honors five decades of Amigo Man’s legacy and will feature a special moment many El Pasoans have been waiting for: the public reveal of a commemorative Amigo Man statue created to celebrate his impact and the generations who grew up loving him.
The afternoon kicks off with a 3:30 p.m. press conference and statue reveal, where Visit El Paso leadership and community partners will reflect on Amigo Man’s lasting influence. Immediately after, the public is invited to join the birthday celebration, complete with cake, festive activities, and plenty of photo opportunities. A meet-and-greet with Amigo Man follows at 6 p.m.
“This milestone represents generations of shared memories,” said Veronica Castro, Director of Tourism Development and Strategic Alliances for Visit El Paso. “Amigo Man is a symbol of the joy, humor, and hospitality that define El Paso.”
Amigo Man 50th Birthday Celebration:Date: Thursday, February 19Location: Downtown Visitor Center | 1 Civic Center PlazaTime: 3:30 p.m. – Press Conference & Statue Reveal
4 p.m. – Birthday Celebration and Cake
6 p.m. – Amigo Man Meet & GreetThe “People of El Paso” loteria series
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Ware Portraits
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Gallery Credit: Iris Lopez/KISS El Paso Facebook