Texas A&M University-San Antonio hosted its annual Lights of Esperanza, an event that is open to the public, where attendees can participate in a variety of holiday festivities, which include pop-up vendors, food trucks, live performances and “reindeer” riding; a Christmas take on bull riding.
The event offered students a break from finals by bringing students, staff and the local community together for a memorable evening.
Business management senior Artemio Gallo said the event gave him one last chance to spend with friends before graduating.
“The Lights have always been a good excuse to hang out with my friends, especially now since it’s my last year here,” Gallo said.
A&M-San Antonio President Dr. Salvador Hector Ochoa spoke before the event started and explained the origin of its name. The Spanish word “esperanza” translates to “hope,” which is the feeling that he hopes the campus culture creates in students, Ochoa said.
The “esperanza” name is also shared with the Torre de Esperanza on University Way and Esperanza Hall, the student dormitory.
However, some students compared this year’s event unfavorably with those prior.
Gallo said the lighting ceremony, which started shortly after the event opened, occurred too early in the night and did not give enough attendees the chance to watch.
Graduate student Annabel Duran is a clinical mental health counseling major who has attended Lights of Esperanza for the past four years.
“I feel like as the years continue it gets worse and worse,” Duran said.
Sandra and Ismael Robles, parents of an A&M-San Antonio senior, shared their joy in making memories at Lights of Esperanza.
“It’s become a holiday tradition for us,” Sandra Robles said.
Sandra Robles said the event is celebrating the university’s diverse culture by showcasing Hispanic performances like mariachis.
“Seeing families together and enjoying Mexican staples like champurrado and pan dulce felt very special,” said Ismael Robles.
He described the event as “fun, traditional and joyful,” with the highlight being the impressive light show concluding the evening.
The Robles family appreciated how the celebration tied into their traditions.
Esteban Rodriguez, a 2022 University of the Incarnate Word graduate, said his favorite moment was enjoying chicken on a stick with his significant other and watching the light show.
“It’s cheerful, enlightening and fun,” he said, pointing out the light show as one of the best parts with colorful lights blinking to the song “Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24,” lighting up the sky with different patterns as a standout feature.
The event featured a holiday pop-up market and food trucks serving a variety of treats.
Among the vendors was Ashton Talley, owner of Funnel Cake Fanatics, who has participated in the event three years in a row.
“I attend events all over San Antonio,” Talley said, explaining he doesn’t know how he found out about the event, but enjoys coming out and supporting A&M-San Antonio.
Attendees were also treated to a mix of traditional and modern entertainment, including performances by Mariachi Los Jaguares Del Sur, who wowed the crowd with Vicente Fernandez classics before closing with a lively rendition of “Feliz Navidad.” ¡Viva Tejana! Dance Company entertained spectators and showcased San Antonio’s rich Tejano culture.
