What is Quinceanera?
Quinceanera, or 15th Birthday, is a celebration of the transition from childhood to womanhood in the Hispanic community. It is a cross between the Sweet Sixteen Birthday and a debutanteís coming out party. A special thanksgiving Mass, a Misa de accion de gracias, is the most important part of the celebration. The birthday girl wears a frilly, fancy full-length dress and matching hat or headdress. Accompanied by her parents and grandparents, or godparents, she is seated at the foot of the altar throughout the service. Often, she is accompanied by up to seven damas (maids of honor), and chamberlains chosen from friends and family alike.
Following the mass, younger sisters, cousins and friends pass out commemorative favors to the attendees with the quinceanera deposits her bouquet on the altar. Traditionally, the quinceanera has the option of continuing the celebration with either a viaje (journey) or a fiesta birthday bash. In the past, most young women chose a trip to Paris or Europe in general, but today a party with a live band is the norm. The extravagance of the party is dependent on the parents and grandparents. The celebration could be held in a leased banquet hall, or under an awning with folding chairs and tables set up for the guests.
Much like the Sweet Sixteenth Birthday party, there is a special dress, music, cake and party favors. Another highlight is when the birthday girl and her escort dance to a traditional waltz. There is a customary toast and the cutting of a multi-tiered birthday cake. The quinceanera is a celebration of the rites of passage that keep the bonds of the Mexican family firmly grounded.
Quinceanera Planning Tips
To plan a Quinceanera, you will need to prepare a to-do list with your birthday girl to find out what would make the event special to her. She has waited 14 years for this moment and making the party special for her is what young dreams are made of. Listen carefully and thoughtfully to her ideas. Allow her to choose the music for the special waltz and help in the selection of the food. Set up a reasonable budget so that you are not overly stressed, and stick with it.
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