Here’s Why El Pasoans Are Reliving 2016 in 2026

Another year, another trend but this time I actually like this trend! Everyone’s feeling a little nostalgic these days, and the newest trend that has emerged online is having locals call 2026 “the new 2016.” 

It’s not about reliving the year exactly, but rather capturing the energy, memories, and feelings that made 2016 so unforgettable. From viral challenges like the Mannequin Challenge to Snapchat dog filters, trends often cycle in 10-year intervals, making now the perfect time to look back.

In a world where burnout, AI, and constant intensity can feel overwhelming, revisiting the past has become a comforting escape. People are sharing snapshots of their lives from 2016, not to wish the year back, but to savor the simpler or more vibrant moments that shaped them. For many, it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and even laugh at how far they’ve come.

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El Pasoans Share their 2016 Memories 

I joined in on the fun by sharing one of my favorite 2016 memories: the Denver Broncos made it to the Super Bowl, and later that year, my son and I got to watch a Broncos game live in San Diego. It was an incredible experience, one of those mother-son bonding moments that sticks with you forever. Looking ahead, I’m hoping for another Broncos win this year, and fingers crossed, another live game to cheer at together.

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Other locals are jumping on the trend, too. Chelsie Evaldi, owner of Chuco Relic, shared a heartfelt post about her own 2016 journey writing that 2016 was chaos with a vision. 

We moved from downtown to Montecillo and rebranded from Manchot to Chuco Relic while I was breastfeeding a real-life baby doll and wearing her all year long, all while raising a precious little boy who doubled as our top salesman. Looking back, changing locations, rebranding, and navigating newborn life all at once probably was not the smartest move. But I was delusional in the best way and fully believed I could do it all. And somehow… I did.

Her post, and others like it, really showcases how 2016 was a mix of hustle, growth, and unforgettable memories.

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A post shared by Chelsie Evaldi (@chucochingona)

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Hollywood Jumps on the 2016 Trend

Even celebrities are joining in, posting throwbacks and reminiscing about the decade-old moments that shaped their lives. 


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A post shared by People Magazine (@people)

Whether it’s a career milestone, a personal victory, or just a fun night out, scrolling through these memories is a reminder of how much we’ve grown and how far we’ve come. Sometimes, it’s just nice to take a stroll down memory lane.