A Quinceanera is a valued tradition that celebrates a young girl’s new milestone into adult hood. Unlike American “sweet 16” celebration, the Quinceanera is celebrated when turning 15 years old. Rooted in Latin culture, quince celebrations are still different depending on the location era you might have lived in. From traditional Mexican history to United States creativity, Quinceaneras are performed all over the world.
Before the Quinceanera celebrating, her and her family attend a religious ceremony for blessings and faith. The Quinceanera will be escorted into the church by her court, her family, and her godparents. The Quinceanera selects the readings, and typically speaks throughout them. The blessings update the baptismal Quinceanera's devotion to God and pledge. She is taking on the vows like she did during her baptism.
The Quinceanera court often include the Quinceanera's closest friends. Having friends over is crucial, because the Quinceanera is all about creating lasting experiences. The attire and outfits are typically coordinated with the rest of her traditional court. Her and her court take part in a dance routine at the celebration which is the purpose. Being a part of the Quinceanera's court is not easy, it takes a lot of time and effort.
The celebrated lady naturally wants to be the center of attention because it's their birthday! The Quinceanera traditional gown, which represents a “adult dress”, is intended to be expensive attire. Additionally, colors are significant because they can aid in the synchronization of the Quinceanera and her family.
Tania Oyos (12) said everyone in her family helped prepare for her 15th birthday celebration which was held at Small Woods Harvest. She said she combined it with her cousin Valeria Oropeza (11). “She’s like my little sister basically- it only felt right with her,” said Tania.
“In our tradition 15 is when you become a lady and gain independence and my parents would see me not as just a little girl, but more of an adult,” explained Tania.
“I got my nails done three days before party; red almond shaped nails,” said Tania. Valeria and Tania had the same dress but in different colors.
During the mass ceremony, Tania and Valeria’s grandparents said, “We didn’t think this would be so important to us.”
“The parties are kinda rowdy, they get a little crazy sometimes. I had a dancing robot at my party. Our DJ left a little before he was supposed to because his house was burning down. The party didn’t end until 1:30 am, and the next morning I had to work,” said Tania.
Yasmin Torres (10) has been planning her Quinceanera “for like a year.” The theme she is going for is “color red and like vaquera (cowgirl). I had watched other videos and [they] gave me inspiration.”
Yasmin is hoping her Quince “goes calm: no fights, because [she] feels like there's lots of fights that’s happen and [she] don’t want people I don’t like [to] go.”
No matter where a tradition goes or ends up, it has a symbolic meaning in the culture of origin. Knowing these significant Quinceanera customs is a fantastic place to start when learning what makes Latin culture unique.
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