Quinceanera Topics
The quinceañera tradition celebrates when a girl turns 15 years old and begins her journey from childhood to womanhood. The tradition is more than 600 years old and was started by Aztec and Maya cultures. Quinceañeras are celebrated more elaborately than other birthdays and are a recognized custom throughout Latin America.
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Religious Ceremony
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Some quinceañeras kick off with a religious ceremony in which family and friends thank God for their blessings, according to Quinceañera.com. The birthday girl arrives to this ceremony in a fancy full-length dress and jeweled tiara with her parents and godparents. A satin or silk-covered Bible is normally given to the birthday girl. The ceremony is decorated with flower bouquets which match the 15-year-old's dress.
Party
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Depending on the family's income level, quinceañeras take place in leased banquet halls or outside on folding chairs and tables. The parties are as elaborate as weddings, with music, food, bar, cake, table favors, photography and flowers. Friends of the family often pitch in to help pay for the once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Almost all quinceañeras include a father and daughter dance and a champagne toast.
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Dress
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The guest of honor will be decked out in a ball gown with a tiara and heels. Typically, quinceañeras include a court of hand-picked friends and family who wear matching gowns and tuxedos. Quinceañera guests should dress as you would dress for a wedding, never distracting attention away from the birthday girl.
Gifts
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Just like any birthday party, quinceañeras include gifts. Some symbolic gifts are given which have a religious undertone: a matching umbrella represents God's protection; a watch is given to be worn on the left wrist to be prepared when God arrives, or a replica doll which signifies the end of childhood, according to Quinceañera.com. Aside from traditional gifts, quinceañera gifts are similar to Sweet Sixteen parties where cars, computers, jewelry and gift cards are given.
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References
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