It’s not just blue, it’s not turquoise and it’s certainly not lapis. If these words sound familiar to you, it’s not just because you’ve watched The Devil Wears Pradaendlessly like I have, but it’s probably because you’ve seen the latest news in the world of Crayola.
Crayola just revealed the world’s favorite crayon color, and it turns out, it’s a shade we in El Paso see almost every day.
After hosting its first-ever Global Color Vote for National Color Day, Crayola asked people in 183 countries to pick their favorite hue. The winner? Cerulean, a soft, dreamy blue that’s been a fan favorite since it joined the Crayola box in the 1990s. The color also took the top spot in 46 of 50 U.S. states, easily making it America’s favorite shade.
Globally, Robin’s Egg Blue and Wisteria rounded out the top three, proving that calm, cool tones connect people across continents. Even across generations, blue reigned supreme; from Gen Alpha’s love of Sky Blue to Millennials’ devotion to Cerulean.
The Science Behind the Shade
According to color psychologist Dr. Domicele Jonauskaite from the University of Lausanne, our love for blue makes perfect sense.
Blue is reminiscent of clear water and blue sky- all very positive natural phenomena.
Lighter, more saturated colors tend to make people feel calm, comforted, and creative- three emotions that topped Crayola’s study results.
So while “Cerulean” might sound fancy, it’s really about something simple: that sense of peace and imagination you get when you look up at a clear sky.
That Sky? It’s Basically El Paso
Here in the Sun City, blue skies are practically part of our DNA. With over 300 sunny days a year, El Paso’s horizon often looks like it’s been shaded straight from a Crayola box. That Cerulean tone stretches across our mornings, frames the Franklin Mountains by noon, and fades to a softer glow by dusk.
It’s not hard to see why so many people across the globe picked Cerulean as their favorite, we’re surrounded by it. For El Pasoans, that color isn’t just in a crayon; it’s the canvas of our every day.
Check Out These Stunning Sunset Views From High Above El PasoLisa SanchezThe Sky Gets Dark At The End Of The RideWhile heading back to the Santa Teresa airport, I couldn’t get over how stunning the El Paso sunset looks.
Lisa SanchezA The Sun Began To Set, The Sky Kept Changing ColorsA sun began to set, the clouds surrounding the sun began turning a gorgeous shade of orange.
Lisa SanchezPlenty of Clouds Across The West Texas SkyThe clouds around the sun all showed stunning shades of red and orange
Lisa SanchezThe Sun Almost Completely DownThe temperature started to drop as the sun continued to set
Lisa SanchezThe Flight BackAs we turned our sights to the airport, we were shocked to see how gorgeous the sunset was becoming that night.
Lisa SanchezWide Open Spaces And Skies As Far As The Eyes Can SeeThe paramotor flight allowed for wide-open views of the desert and homes below, as well as the stretching skyline
Lisa SanchezThe Sun Continues To SetIf you ever get the opportunity, you have to check out the sunset ride on a paramotor.
Lisa SanchezThe Paramotor ViewsFrom the paramotor, you’re able to see the desert surrounding Santa Teresa as well as views of New Mexico and Texas
Lisa SanchezMake Sure You Bring A JacketAs the sun sets, you’ll also start to notice the temperature drops too. Since you’re moving so fast through the air, it’s better to have a windbreakers on to keep yourself warm.
Lisa SanchezThe Flight Towards TransmountainWe made our way to the Transmountain area so we could get a better look at the top of the mountain
Lisa SanchezBefore The Sun SetThe sky was full of clouds which made it hard to see when sunset was going to happen.
Lisa SanchezTurning Around To Head Back HomeAs we turned away from the Franklin Mountains, I snapped this photos of the wide views you’re able to see from the air. attachment-flight-26
Clint ChamalesAnother Paramotorist’s Shot Of My FlightWhile we were flying, another paramotorist snapped this picture of us in the air.
Lisa SanchezThe View From Behind As We Fly BackHere you can see just how high we were in the air El Paso’s Dream Lineup for the New Sunset AmphitheaterEl Paso’s music fans are ready. With the new Sunset Amphitheater on the way, locals are already dreaming up their perfect lineup — and they’ve got opinions. From rock legends to pop powerhouses (and maybe a few curveballs), here are the 15 artists El Pasoans are begging to see light up that stage first. Gallery Credit: Joanna Barba
Getty ImagesIron MaidenEl Paso loves its metal, and Iron Maiden fans would absolutely sell this place out. From “Run to the Hills” to “The Trooper,” every song is made for an epic outdoor sing-along. Picture Eddie towering over the stage, perfection!
Getty ImagesStevie NicksStevie Nicks under an El Paso sunset? That’s pure magic. Her voice floating through the desert air with “Dreams” or “Edge of Seventeen” would be one of those moments everyone remembers forever. Lace, tambourines, and a little witchy energy — yes, please.
Getty ImagesKhalidYou knew this one had to be on the list. El Paso’s own hometown hero deserves to christen the stage he helped put on the map. From “Location” to “Better,” every track would hit different under a Northeast El Paso sunset. Plus, imagine the crowd singing “Talk” while Khalid thanks the city that started it all — total chills.
Getty ImagesToolThe visuals, the sound, the mystique — Tool would turn the Sunset Amphitheater into a sonic art installation. Between the light show and Maynard’s haunting vocals, this would be a transcendent night in the desert.
Getty ImagesDisturbedThere’s no better way to test a brand-new sound system than with that unmistakable “Ooh-wah-ah-ah-ah!” Disturbed has always had a strong Texas following, and their live shows pack the kind of punch that would make the amphitheater shake.
Getty ImagesSystem of a DownWild, political, and perfectly unpredictable — System of a Down would bring pure energy to the Sunset stage. “Chop Suey!” would turn into one giant sing-along, and we’d all lose our minds together.
Getty ImagesJudas PriestMetal legends, pure and simple. Judas Priest could turn any night into a head-banging revival. With Rob Halford’s voice echoing across the mountains, this would be a masterclass in rock history.
Getty ImagesFoo FightersIf anyone knows how to break in a brand-new stage, it’s Dave Grohl. The energy, the hits, the heart — Foo Fighters were practically made for this venue. Imagine “Everlong” echoing against the mountains at sunset. That’s history in the making.
Getty ImagesSlipknotIf there’s one band that could officially test the strength of the Sunset Amphitheater’s sound system, it’s Slipknot. El Paso’s maggots would turn out in full force for “Duality” and “Psychosocial.” Bring the masks, bring the chaos — we’re ready.
Getty ImagesAlabama ShakesA little soul, a little rock, and a whole lot of goosebumps. Brittany Howard’s voice would soar beautifully through that open-air venue. “Don’t Wanna Fight” under the desert sky? That’s a full-body experience.
Getty ImagesLinkin ParkIt’s been years since El Paso got to scream along to “In the End,” but the love never left. If the band ever reunites in a touring form, this would be the moment — a full-circle emotional set that would have the whole crowd singing every word.
Getty ImagesDeftonesHeavy, hypnotic, and straight out of the desert themselves (hey, Sacramento’s not that far off), Deftones would turn the Sunset Amphitheater into a wall of sound. Picture “Change (In the House of Flies)” echoing through the desert air — El Paso mosh pits would absolutely lose their minds.
Getty ImagesRob ZombieHe’s done it before, and we’re ready for more. El Paso always shows up for Rob Zombie, and the Sunset Amphitheater would be the perfect playground for his over-the-top visuals and shredding horror-rock spectacle. Just imagine “Dragula” booming through the Northeast — iconic.
Getty ImagesKornThe kings of nu-metal have a long history with El Paso crowds — and it’s about time they baptize a new stage in head-banging chaos. “Freak on a Leash” would have the entire amphitheater shaking. Bonus points if Jonathan Davis brings the bagpipes.
Getty ImagesEmpire of the SunBig synths, wild outfits, and the kind of cosmic visuals that would look unreal against the Franklin Mountains. “Walking on a Dream” as the sky fades orange to purple? Yes, please. El Paso deserves one of those visually magical shows — and Empire of the Sun would deliver.
Getty ImagesMetallicaAs one user put it: There’s only one correct answer — and every El Pasoan knows it. Metallica. The band that defines rock itself. From “Enter Sandman” to “Master of Puppets,” this would be the show of all shows. They’ve packed the Sun Bowl before, but imagine them tearing up the brand-new Sunset Amphitheater. That’s the kind of night the city would talk about for years.
Getty ImagesSmashing PumpkinsAnd, finally, MY personal pick — and a perfect closer. Billy Corgan’s dreamy, nostalgic sound would fit this amphitheater like a glove. “Tonight, Tonight” under a glowing El Paso sky? That’s not just a concert — that’s a memory waiting to happen.