Lights of Esperanza dazzles and delights guests of all ages
Texas A&M University-San Antonio celebrated the holiday season in style with its ninth annual Lights of Esperanza. The event transformed the South Side campus into a festive wonderland illuminated by more than 40,000 lights, delighting students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members alike.
“For us, the Lights of Esperanza is not only a fun-filled holiday celebration but also a visual symbol of fulfilling our mission of bringing hope and opportunity,” University President Salvador Hector Ochoa told guests, kicking off the Dec. 3 event. “The holiday season is much more than ribbons, wreaths, and sparkling lights, it is about gratitude and celebration. I think you would agree with me that we have so much to celebrate and be thankful for this year.”
General the Jaguar, Salvador Hector Ochoa and his wife Mari, Berto and Tammy Guerra, and Gwen Notestine
Combining the symbolic history of holiday lighting with modern customs, Lights of Esperanza has become one of the University's most cherished traditions. The Spanish word “esperanza” translates to hope in English and has a special meaning at A&M-San Antonio. The Torre de Esperanza — the Tower of Hope — rises above the entrance of University Way, and the University’s first student residence hall is named Esperanza Hall. Both are emblematic beacons of light and hope, helping guide students toward a bright future.
The annual Lights of Esperanza features dancers, live music, and rides.
Lights of Esperanza has grown over the years, attracting some 4,000 attendees who are treated to a captivating light show, live music, family-friendly activities and games, and a holiday market.
Luis Garcia and Priscilla Rajas, who live in Southeast San Antonio, were among the guests. Garcia, who served seven years in the U.S. Army, is a junior at the University, where he’s majoring in accounting. Rajas is a graduate from Texas A&M University in College Station.
Priscilla Rajas and Luis Garcia on the search for funnel cakes at Lights of Esperanza
“We’re definitely going to get some funnel cakes,” Rajas said. “Those are our favorites. And we’re going to take lots of pictures. Everything looks so beautiful here.”
Also enjoying the festivities were Daniel and Blanca Martinez and their 4-year-old son Mateo, who yelped with joy when he and his dad went down a sledding hill, one of the event’s many family-friendly attractions.
“We’ve been coming to Festival de Cascarones for several years,” said Daniel Martinez, who graduated from A&M-San Antonio in 2011 and now works in the health and human services industry. “It’s great to see how it’s getting bigger every year and attracting so many people from the area.”