The Traditional Quinceanera Celebration!

A traditional Quinceanera celebrates the young girl's journey as she moves from childhood into maturity.
The celebration includes certain actions and accessories that provide meaningful symbolism to this event and are a big part in making it memorable to the girl and her family.

For any Latina a Quinceanera is a big traditional family event that she looks forward to taking part in. The parents also look forward to her day, and many choose to wake their daughter on the date of her Quince with Mariachi music, whether hiring a group to serenade her or simply playing a selection of Mariachi songs. Las Mañanitas in particular is a popular tune for a Quinceanera. This is a great way to start her special day and adds to everyone's excitement.

A large part of the Quinceanera includes the appointment of a special court, providing a perfect way to include the girl's friends in on the fun. Traditionally the court made up of 7 Damas and 7 Chambelans with the Quinceanera herself being the 15th member but can have as many or as few members as the girl and her family want. Usually they are chosen from among the girl's siblings, cousins, and closest friends. These court members take part in the Church ceremony and during the reception's special surprise dance.

One of the girl's favorite parts is probably getting to dress in a beautiful ball gown. In some countries it may be tradition that the Quinceanera's dress be white but for the most part it can be any color and style that fits the girl's tastes and the theme of her party. Fancy shoes, a flower bouquet, jewelry, a sparkling tiara and sometimes a scepter complete the princess look. Her court is similarly dressed in long formal dresses for the Damas and handsome tuxes or suits for the Chambelanes. Guests are also expected to come in formal or semi-formal clothing for most parties but this can be up to the Quinceanera decision.

Another essential part of the celebration is the church ceremony. Traditionally this takes part in the Catholic church and in some Hispanic countries it is expected that the Quinceanera participate in a special class before her 15th birthday. This class is meant to teach the girl about the relationship between her and God as well as her place within the Catholic community. It stresses the fact the a Quinceanera is not just a big birthday party but a time for her to affirm her faith as she becomes a young woman. Despite Catholism being the traditional religious center of the Quinceanera, other religious faiths may have ceremonies available for a Quinceanera's celebration.

At the start of the church ceremony the parents will give thanks for their daughter and she is given gifts such as a bible, 15 roses, a tiara, a doll, a cross or a rosary. Depending on the nature your religious ceremony the gifts may be blessed by a priest. During this ceremony the Quinceanera also offers a prayer of her gratitude and commitment to serve God which is the highlight of the ceremony.

After the church comes the reception. Guests may be greeted there by the Quinceanera and/or her parents. The Quinceanera may also be presented in a procession along with her Court and either a parent or other close family member gives a welcome address to guests. After a special dinner usually comes the ceremony/ceremonies that symbolize the girl's growing out of childhood. There are several to choose from.

Some of the ceremonies involve replacing items such as a headpiece for a tiara or flat shoes for high heels to symbolize the transition from childhood to adulthood. The giving of a doll, sometimes dressed like the Quinceanera, represents her last toy and the end of her childhood. Others, like presenting her with a scepter, serve as symbols to her newfound authority and responsibilities as a young woman. These are often performed by the parents. Another beautiful ceremony you can also consider is having the women each present her with a rose and welcome her to womanhood.

The “Vals” comes next. It with a dance a father/daughter dance or dance with another special male family member. This is then followed by a special dance preformed by the Quinceanera and her court as well as dances between the Quinceanera and any honored guests before the floor is opened for everyone else to dance.

A special toast to the Quinceanera may be offered at any time during the reception by the parents, godparents, or other close family and friends. The Quinceanera herself is also expected to give a thank you speech honoring her family, friends, and guests.

For most families the Quinceanera is cherished tradition to share with their daughters and friends. This beautiful event symbolizing their child's introduction to adulthood is a memorable time for every Hispanic family and as a Latina mother I love these traditional celebrations that keep our culture alive!