EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso’s longtime goodwill ambassador, Amigo Man, was honored with a public celebration marking his 50th birthday, including a press conference, the reveal of a commemorative installation, and other festivities downtown.

The event happened on Thursday at the Downtown El Paso Visitor Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza.

Organizers say Amigo Man has served for 50 years as a symbol of El Paso’s welcoming spirit, culture and community pride.

The celebration highlighted his five decades of impact on tourism, community events and cultural celebrations across the region.