The Quinceañera Tradition
The transition for most any culture. Hispanics, however, mark this memorable occasion with the celebration of a Quinceañera or Sweet 15.
The Quinceañera tradition is believed to have started many years ago when the Spanish conquerors brought the tradition to Mexico and others say the tradition originated with the Aztecs. Regardless, a Quinceañera celebration is a Hispanic tradition associated with Mexican, Central and South American cultures. Through the different ceremonies that take place today, the young Quinceañera is formally introduced to society and it is a day to give thanks for having reached this age.
The coordination of the entire Quinceañera event is a teamwork effort of family and friends. Very strong family ties come into play. It is customary that all these family and friends volunteer to be padrinos. Each padrino takes financial and/or moral responsibility over what they have been assigned including the cake, invitations, doll, bible, rosary, etc?
It is customary that the Quinceañera will wear a ball gown usually with a petticoat or crinolina underneath to make the dress look extra puffy, and a crown or tiara along with her gloves. In the United States the dress is commonly white. While in other countries such as Mexico it is very common to see the young lady wear a red, royal blue, burgundy, or a pastel gown.
Quinceañera accessories usually include:
- A doll (her last doll)
- A special kneeling cushion (usually heart shaped) bible and rosary
- A tiara or crown
- A matching photo album and guest signature book
- Specially decorated toasting glasses with matching cake knives.
Traditionally, the celebration will usually consist of having fourteen young girls called damas and fourteen young men called chambelanes, in addition to the chambelan de honor. Nowadays, Quinceañeras will sometimes have only seven damas and seven chambelans or all damas or all chambelanes. Typically the damas will all wear the same color and style gowns to coordinate with the Quinceañeras gown and the boys wear coordinating tuxedos.
The actual Quinceañera celebration consists of several parts. It is traditional to have a special thanksgiving mass or ceremony, followed by the reception and the banquet, and not to forget the famous waltz or el bals.
After months of practice for the waltz, the moment finally comes during the reception. It is assumed that the Quinceañera prior to this date has not danced with anyone before. It is at this time that the Quinceañera will dance the waltz with her chambelan then be accompanied by her damas and chambelanes. This is a major highlight of the celebration. After this usually follows the toast and the cutting of the cake.
Without a doubt the Quinceañera is a major Hispanic tradition where family and friends celebrate the coming of age for a special young lady.
The entire festivity is full of spiritual and emotional moments, and composed of several events that take place, where God, thanksgiving, food, music and dance are the mix of ingredients for a joyous culmination!
Joyful Events
