Quinceañera
 The Quinceañera, or as some call it the Quince Años,
is the fifteenth birthday celebration of a young woman in various Spanish-speaking
sections of the Americas including the United States, Puerto Rico, Dominican
Republic, Cuba, Peru and El Salvador. It is an exceptionally charming
and unique way to honor a birthday. It is truly like no other. Sometimes
you may see it as XV Años, which means 15 years. However,
very few countries refer to the party as a Quinceañera.
Although, there are various concepts of where the Quinceañera celebration originated, the most common is a mixture of religious traditions
of both the native Mexicans and the Spanish conquerors. The coming of
age traditions of this celebration coincides within the cultures and
ceremonies of Latino heritage.
Since this is one of the most significant events in the life of a young
woman, as it officially marks the changing from a child into an adult,
this event is very special in Cuba. The quinceanera’s begins
her birthday wearing a beautiful full white dress.
In the Dominican Republic, this event is so important that before the
party is over, the local newspaper photographers arrive to take pictures
that appear in magazines and newspapers the next day.
 There are three steps to the Quinceañera ceremony in
El Salvador. The first is the separation from the Quinceañera and
her parents as she accepts her flowers or blows out her candles. Next,
is a transitional status that symbolizes no longer being an adolescent,
yet not a full-grown woman. Finally, the Quinceañera emerges
during the evening of the celebration wearing a stunning red dress to
symbolize womanhood.
In Peru, this occasion calls for formal dress attire. The Quinceañera gracefully descends a staircase accompanied by music, she then goes on
to take her first waltz with her father, grandfather or godfather.
The Quinceañera celebration of Puerto Rican sees the
party girl accompanied by her friends and family as they assemble for
a religious ceremony before the party begins. While attending mass, the
girl will sit upon a peacock chair covered with red flowers such as poppies
or roses.
Today the Quinceañera celebration is even more popular
in the United States than ever before. This is due to the larger populations
of Latino residents. However, the celebration events may vary widely
for the Quinceañera depending upon her family tradition,
religion and local.
 For instance, it is common in California for the family members of the
Padrinos or godparents to contribute funding for this special occasion.
The godparents may be responsible for providing the Quinceañera with various items including but not limited to her dress and shoes,
the cost of the hall, flora centerpieces and alcoholic beverages.
Some of the common traditions of a Quinceañera celebration
may include changing the shoes, the wearing of the traditional ball gown
and the first dance. All other aspects of the celebration are of course,
subject to the wishes of the young girl and her family.
Customarily, during this special celebration, the Quinceañera receives specific gifts to celebrate the ceremony, which include:
Medal or Cross, which symbolizes her faith in God,
herself, and the world
Earrings, which remind her to listen to the word
of God
Bible or a Prayer Book and Rosary, which are essential
resources to maintain the word of God present in her life
Tiara, which appoints her as a princess before God
and the world
Scepter, which indicates authority and responsibility
for her life
Bracelet or Ring, which is a representation of the
endless circle of life
Other special Quinceañera accessories for this special
event may include:
Ceremony pillows
Floral bouquet
Champagne glasses
Cake decoration
Cake server set
Guest book
Invitation and reception cards
Photo album
The last doll
The last doll is useful as a decoration or as part of the ceremony as
well as a keepsake. The Quinceañera doll represents the
end of childhood things, now that the Quinceañera begins
focusing on things of a young woman, in various cultures. In some cultures,
the Quinceañera doll has ribbons with the name and date
of the Quinceañera written on them. As the Quinceañera circulates around her guests to thank them, she passes out the ribbons
as a memento to her guests.
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