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Hilltop Holiday Happenings

Festival of Lights, Las Posadas and A Merry Mary Christmas Cabaret

By St. Edward's University

December 12^th, 2024

Festival of Lights

An evening of beloved traditions took place on the hilltop in December. Against the beauty of the Austin night skyline, the 44th annual Festival of Lights marked the beginning of the Advent Season at St. Edward’s. Thousands of lights illuminated campus as Hilltoppers and neighbors gathered at the steps of Main Building for music, reflection and fellowship.

President Montserrat Fuentes speaks during Festival of Lights.

Brother Larry Atkinson speaks during Festival of Lights.

Former President Pat Hayes speaks during Festival of Lights.

A director conducts the choir during Festival of Lights.

The choir sings during Festival of Lights.

Night of Silence sheet music on the piano during Festival of Lights.

Students are illuminated by Christmas lights during Festival of Lights.

An owl sits perched upon the cross of the Main Building steeple during Festival of Lights.

A student holds a candle during Festival of Lights

Student Government Association President Mikayla Pastrano sits and smiles after giving remarks during Festival of Lights.

Students hold candles during Festival of Lights.

The flame of a candle creates a curved wisp of smoke during Festival of Lights.

Choir members hold candles during festival of lights.

The Festival of Lights logo is illuminated on Main Building during Festival of Lights.

A mother and child hold candles during Festival of Lights.

Las Posadas

Immediately following the Festival of Lights, the St. Edward's community celebrated Las Posadas, the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge. Students representing Mary, Joseph and an angel led the way to stops at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, Holy Cross Hall and the Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center, with traditional songs being sung at each destination. The celebration continued in Mabee Ballroom with performances from Ballet Folklorico, mariachi and a high school drill team.

Mariachi lead St. Edward's community members in song as they walk during Las Posadas.

The processional makes its way to Holy Cross Hall during Las Posadas.

A student representing Joseph knocks on the door of Holy Cross Hall during Las Posadas.

Students representing Joseph, an angel and Mary lead mariachi and St. Edward's community members during Las Posadas.

A mariachi member reads song lyrics during Las Posadas.

Students representing Joseph, an angel and Mary are welcomed by Ballet Folklorico during Las Posadas.

Ballet Folklorico performs during Las Posadas.

A high school drill team performs during Las Posadas.

Ballet Folklorico and a high school drill team after performing during Las Posadas.

A Merry Mary Christmas Cabaret

The evening wrapped up with the newest holiday tradition, A Merry Mary Christmas Cabaret, hosted by the Mary Moody Northen Theatre. Back for its second year, the event featured performances of new and old holiday classics, performed with festive flair and lots of holiday cheer by an incredible cast of alumni, faculty, guest artists, and students.

A soloist performs during A Merry Mary Christmas Cabaret.

A soloist interacts with the audience as they participate in a song during A Merry Mary Christmas Cabaret.

A duo performs during A Merry Mary Christmas Cabaret.

Singers and musicians of A Merry Mary Christmas Cabaret.

Footnotes

Photography by Maria Jose Gonzalez, Chelsea Purgahn and April Paine. Videography by Chelsea Purgahn and Maria Jose Gonzalez. Design and animation by Kathia Ramirez and Herbert Frimpong.

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FootNotes

Photography by Maria Jose Gonzalez, Chelsea Purgahn and April Paine. Videography by Chelsea Purgahn and Maria Jose Gonzalez. Design and animation by Kathia Ramirez and Herbert Frimpong.

St. Edward's December 2025 Commencement

Hilltop Holiday Happenings

Festival of Lights, Las Posadas and A Merry Mary Christmas Cabaret

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