The Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been voted "Best University Tradition" again this year by readers of "The Pendulum," celebrating community, diversity and belonging across religious and cultural differences.
The Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been voted “Best University Tradition” again this year by readers of Elon University’s student newspaper The Pendulum. The Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life hosts many multifaith events and programs throughout the academic year, bringing the Elon University community together to honor diverse traditions and create opportunities for engagement, dialogue, and learning. In addition to annual programs, the Truitt Center has the honor of holding several Elon University traditions, including Festival of Lights and Luminaries.
Since 2022, Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been coordinated by a campus-wide planning committee under the direction of University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement, Rev. Dr. Kirstin Boswell, and Director of Multifaith Programming and Engagement Hillary Zaken. The planning committee includes representatives from across campus, such as the Office of the Vice President of Student Life, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and Facilities Management. This year’s planning committee also included student representation from Sarah Moore ’26, managing editor of The Pendulum.
For eight out of the past nine years, Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been voted “Best University Tradition.” According to Moore, the “Best Of” is “decided from a survey promoted to our readers, including students, staff, faculty, alumni and local residents. We have published a ‘Best Of’ edition each year since 2018.”
With thousands of candle-lit luminaries lining Under the Oaks, Historic, and the Academic Pavilions, students gather with friends to find their luminary, pausing for photos and reflection. Music from a cappella groups and student choirs fills the air, contributing to an atmosphere of celebration and joy.
Rev. Kirstin Boswell describes the Festival of Lights & Luminaries as “one of the most beautiful expressions of who we are as a university community. It brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and neighbors across religious, cultural, and worldview differences to honor light in its many forms — hope, wisdom, justice, compassion, and joy.” She adds that “recognition as a ‘Best Tradition’ affirms what so many experience each year: this is a sacred and celebratory gathering where belonging is made visible and our shared community is literally illuminated.”
Beyond the visual beauty, the Festival of Lights and Luminaries highlights the university’s religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural diversity. Academic departments, student organizations and cultural clubs host tables offering educational opportunities about their traditions. The combination of light, music, and meaningful engagement makes the event memorable.
Hillary Zaken shared that she is “always delighted to learn that Festival of Lights and Luminaries has won ‘Best Tradition.’ It’s truly a festival that celebrates the best of who we are by highlighting our diverse identities and allowing us to shed light on what matters most to the Elon community. We’re so grateful for this honor and to everyone that worked to make this happen.”
Addison Anderson ’28, Truitt Center multifaith intern lead for this year’s event says that “a unique benefit to planning such a cherished and historic event as the Festival of Lights and Luminaries is the opportunity to learn about the special memories it has created over the years for people, whether that be attending decades ago as a young child, getting a little reminder from home in a lantern, or even putting out the occasional fire with friends. It brings me so much joy to know that the festival lived up to its legacy.”
For more information on annual events and programs and Elon University traditions, visit the Truitt Center’s website and follow on Instagram and Facebook.