What Is a Quinceanera Party?

Every young girl living in Central or South America awaits her Quinceanera party, which is seen as the second most important day in her life after her wedding. In the company of her family and friends, she celebrates her entry into adulthood.

History

Historians believe that the concept of a Quinceanera originated in the Maya and Toltec tribes of Meso-America.

Significance

A Quinceanera party celebrates the birthday of a girl of Hispanic heritage turning 15, the age when she is believed to reach maturity. In addition to receiving formal permission to date from her parents, the girl also accepts greater work, household and family-related responsibilities.

Features

A Quinceanera can be a small party consisting primarily of family members or an intricate ball. It typically begins with a religious ceremony in which the girl expresses thanks for reaching this age, followed by a banquet.

Symbolism

The girl's father or another close male relative replaces her flats with high-heeled shoes, representing her transition from a girl to a woman.

Companions

The girl selects friends, siblings and cousins to be part of her Court of Honor for the Quinceanera. The girls of the Court are known as Damas, while the boys are referred to as Chambelans.

Resources

• Fifteen questions on the Quinceanera