What is a Quinceañera?
It
is a rite of passage for most young Hispanic women in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto
Rico, and even the United States. But those of a different culture may wonder: what
exactly is a Quinceañera?
On
a girl’s fifteenth birthday, her entry into womanhood is celebrated by her
family through this often-lavish event. It serves not only to honor the young
girl, but also her parents and godparents, who play important roles throughout
the affair.
The
day usually begins with a mass where the girl (the festejada or the one
celebrating her birthday) and her family give thanks for her childhood. The
festejada often wears a white or pink formal dress such as those available on https://www.peachesboutique.com/ during
the mass, and she sits at the foot of the altar with her maids of honor (damas)
and their escorts (chambelanes). Once the mass is over, the young girl leaves a
bouquet of flowers for the Virgin ofGuadalupe while her female relatives distribute
special gifts called bolos to their guests.
A
lively party follows after the mass where the festejada typically receives
lavish gifts. This party can last for hours and is usually an elaborate event
with dancing and eating. The centerpiece of the party is the cake,
which is often as extravagant-looking as the young girl’s gown. Plenty of
toasts or brindis are also exchanged where the partygoers get to reminisce
about the festejada’s girlhood or share special messages.
One
of the last things to happen during a Quinceañera celebration is the changing
of the festejada’s shoes. After all the guests have eaten and drunk their fill
during the party, the girl’s father will solemnly remove her flat-soled shoes
and present her with a pair of heels. This serves to mark her new maturity and
entry into the world of adults.
What
do you think of the Quinceañera? Do you have a similar tradition in your
culture?