 A Florida family heads south for quince
Lianet Bellido de Luna of Miami Lakes, Fla., won't turn 15 until late November, but that certainly didn't stop her from celebrating her quinceanera this past June. When her parents, Sonia and Nelson Bellido de Luna, heard about a quince trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, they thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate their daughter's “sweet 15. Mrs. Bellido de Luna said, "I thought it would be a good opportunity for her to see another country, meet new girls and create good memories."
Lianet said she was just excited to celebrate for a whole week. She added, “ Our family hadn't really gone on any vacations together, and this was nice because it was all-inclusive and a lot cheaper than planning a party in Miami. It was nice because everyone got to enjoy.Lianet's best friend and family joined them on the trip too.
Destination celebrations on the rise
According to Maggie Fouce of Miami-based MK Tours, the agency that planned the trip, more and more families are planning destination celebrations. "People just want to do something different," she said. Lianet and 14 other young women and their families arrived at the Barecelo Bavaro Beach Resort in Punta Cana on Sunday, June 5, 2005, and stayed until June 12th.
The week was sun and fun-filled, with catamaran trips, banana boat rides, music, dancing, live entertainment and even a pool and domino party. The quinceanera celebration, which was held at the resort's convention center, took place on Thursday evening. So before the daily fun and frolicking began, the girls put in a few hours practice for their choreographed dance.
Debutante style
On the big night, many of the young women wore white dresses, but Lianet's was beige with a diamond shaped damask print on the bodice. Mrs. Bellido explained that Cuban Quinces never wear white because the white dress is saved for her wedding day.
The celebration was debutante style the emcee introduced Lianet and she curtsied in front of the audience. Her mom and dad came to greet her on stage and she pinned a corsage on her mother and her father remained there until the dance. Once everyone had been introduced, the girls waltzed with their fathers and then performed a separate choreographed salsa- type dance to a mix of Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan.
Dining and dancing until the wee hours
Afterward, the daughters and their mothers lit candles together and one of the entertainers sang "Happy Birthday" to the group. After the ceremony, the girls and their families went on to dine and dance until the wee hours.
The next day, they enjoyed a group luncheon and later that evening went to an island show. During the day on Saturday, Lianet hung out with her family and enjoyed the beach. But Saturday night, the group headed out to see the hot Latino singing sensation, Willy Chirino. We had VIP tables, right up in front, Lianet said.
After a late night on Saturday, Lianet and her family caught an early flight home on Sunday morning. She said, "It was a hectic trip, but I had lots of fun."
Between headstands and sun salutations, Karla managed to co-write the BAP Handbook: The Official Guide to the Black American Princess. She is a freelance writer in New York and a recent graduate of the Columbia University School of Journalism. A cross between a yogi, a style maven, and a bon vivant, Karla hopes to help women, young and old alike, find their inner princess by writing about fashion, food, fun and spiritual fitness.
Photography courtesy of Photography by J. Garcia. See Resources, below, for more information. |
 |
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
