La Quinceañera
The quinceañera is a special celebration for both a young girl and her family. It is a celebration of her fifteenth birthday. In the Hispanic culture, at fifteen years old, a girl is transitioning from childhood and is now considered an adult. When the quinceañera celebrations began, the girl was considered to be ready for marriage. Nowadays, the girl is considered ready for dating.
A quinceañera for some can be a simple celebration, but for others it can be elaborate. No matter the cost, the celebrations have many similarities in traditions.
Before this special celebration, the girl (often referred to as "la quinceñera") selects friends, siblings, and cousins to participate in her special day. These individuals will be a part of her "court of honor." One boy will be her escort and there can be any number of other girls (damas) and boys (escortes). There is not a set number of people for her court of honor; however, it is not uncommon for the number of people or the number of couples to add up to fifteen.
La quinceñera will select a ball gown to wear. Some girls select a white gown, but it is all about a girl's preference. The court of honor also dresses in elegant gowns and tuxedos.
There are two parts of the celebration: religious and social. The celebration begins with Mass at a Catholic Church. At Mass, the girl is presented before God and promises to honor herself and her religion.
Part two of the quinceañera is the party. Depending on the size of the party, it may be held at the family home or at a banquet hall. During this reception, there is plenty of food and music. The quinceañera and her court of honor will dance a waltz, which they have spent weeks, or maybe months, practicing.
Another tradition at the reception is the changing of shoes. She is now considered an adult, so her father will help her change her flat shoes to high-heeled shoes.
During this celebration, the quinceañera will also receive her last doll. Again, to demonstrate her maturing, she will then pass this last doll to her younger sister, cousin, or other special young girl.
Let's Lean More...
Read the following slides to learn more about the Quinceañera. To move through the slideshow, click on the arrows.
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A tiara, scepter, rosary, and Bible are all items that the young quinceañera might receive at the ceremony.
A 15-year-old girl celebrating her quinceañera In Oaxaca, Mexico.
This Hispanic girl chose a white ball gown for her quinceañera celebration.
A tiara is often worn by the quinceañera.
Some parents send formal invitations to the daughter's quinceañera.
At the reception, the young quinceañera changes into her first pair of high-heeled shoes.
This quinceañera is photographed at the Parque Almendares in Havana, Cuba.
Many quinceañeras begin the celebration at church.
La quinceñera begins her special day in flat shoes, or even tennis shoes.
These are items that you might see at a quinceañera celebration.
Music is part of the reception. Some families may hire a Mariachi band. |
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