How Different Generations Choose Their Favorite Colors

New Yorkers love a good splash of color, and now they’ve joined people all over the globe in picking the world’s favorite shades. Crayola asked fans worldwide to vote for their top color from a lineup of 148 crayons in its Global Color Vote. People cast their votes, and the results are in. It turns out one color ruled them all and it’s a familiar favorite.

Blue Is the World’s Favorite Color

Across every corner of the planet, blue came out on top. The winning shade was Cerulean, a bright, ocean like blue that’s been in Crayola boxes for decades. Close behind were Robin’s Egg Blue and Wisteria. No matter the age or location, people like the calm, peaceful feeling blue brings.

Different Generations, Different Shades of Love

While blue dominated overall, each generation had its own picks. The youngest voters, Gen Alpha, leaned toward cheerful shades like Sky Blue, Piggy Pink, and Red. Gen Z favored Cerulean, Wisteria, and Robin’s Egg Blue, showing a love for cool and soothing tones.

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Millennials also picked Cerulean and Robin’s Egg Blue but added Wild Strawberry. Gen X preferred Cerulean, Royal Purple, and classic Blue, while Baby Boomers went for Purple Heart, Robin’s Egg Blue, and Blue. The color Cerulean stood out across almost every group, proving that its calm yet vibrant tone speaks to nearly everyone.

Why Blue Feels Like Home in New York

There’s something about blue that just feels right for New Yorkers. Blue has a way of feeling familiar and safe, yet full of life and possibility like New York itself.

Adding a Little Color to Everyday Life

Crayola’s Global Color Vote tells us that color connects people, no matter where they live. Whether you’re coloring with your kids, decorating your home, or just admiring the scenery in New York, there’s joy in finding the shades that make you happiest.

What Do Barn Star Colors Mean?

Gallery Credit: Samantha Barnes

How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors?

Besides being a fun fact to impress your friends during the finale, knowing what makes fireworks work is a reminder of just how intertwined our daily lives are with Earth’s natural resources. Some of these minerals are considered critical commodities, meaning they’re vital to modern life and can be difficult to source.

So the next time you see a shimmering white sparkle or a deep red bloom over the Mohawk River, you’ll know: there's real science, and some pretty rare elements behind all that beauty.

It all comes down to chemistry. When fireworks are launched, metallic compounds, also called mineral elements, are heated to really hot temperatures. And as they burn, they emit specific colors of light.

The more complex the mix, the more dazzling the display.

Gallery Credit: Unsplash/TSM