How to Celebrate Quinceneras
With the growing number of Mexicans and other Latinos in the United States, many people are going to a celebration that they are not familiar with, a quincenera. In Latino culture, a girl celebrates her 15th birthday, her "quince," as the day that she becomes a woman. Families celebrate with a ceremony and a party, dance or reception afterward. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Attend the ceremony. Most quinces begin with a church-based ceremony, most often Catholic. There may be a full mass or service, or simply a blessing of the teenager. Either way, attend this portion of the celebration as you would attend any church service. Wear neat, pressed clothes, respect others' religious practices and congratulate the quince at the end of the ceremony.
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Expect pomp and circumstance. Some people compare a quincenera to a wedding. The teenager often wears a formal gown. Families decorate the church and hall and token gifts are appropriate. The girl often has friends as attendants.
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Eat. After the ceremony, many families will serve a meal before the music and celebrating begin. Enjoy a catered meal or a taste of another culture.
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Absorb the culture. Different families celebrate a quince in different manners. Two things you may be able to count on are mariachi music and the quince's special dance. Mariachis will serenade the girl and her guests with singing and instruments. The girl also executes a choreographed dance with a male suitor or her girlfriends.
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Enjoy the girl's transition. Often the girl receives special gifts from family friends and godparents signaling her new role in life. For example, she receives a new set of shoes while a special person talks about her journey to womanhood.
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Tips & Warnings
No 2 quinceneras are the same. Aspects of the celebration often depend on ethnic background, regional tastes or family traditions.
Have a good time and go with the flow. Quinceneras don't often incorporate much guest participation other than eating and dancing, so you are free to enjoy yourself.
