Belton, Texas – On Wednesday, April 12, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor hosted its 78th Annual Easter Pageant. The three performances drew approximately 6,000 visitors to the UMHB campus. For the first time ever the pageant was also streamed live online, where another 3,700 people viewed it.
Live streams of the first two performances of the Easter Pageant were shared by more than 500 Facebook users and received more than 300 comments. Online viewers hailed from across the state, nation, and globe.
“Watching from the Czech Republic,” one viewer posted. “[It’s] one of my favorite traditions.”
“It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to see the Easter Pageant,” another commented.
For those unable to view the Easter Pageant live, both performances are available online at umhb.edu/live.
More than 300 UMHB students participated in the planning and production of the pageant, which chronicles moments from the Gospel story, including Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and Christ’s trial by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death, and resurrection.
The tradition of the annual Easter Pageant at UMHB began in 1940 when it was held during the afternoon on Easter Day. At that time, Mary Hardin-Baylor was an all-female campus, so all of the roles were played by women. Over time, the production expanded to include male students and additional performances during the day.
