A Traditional Introduction

Articles - TRADITION

Written by Olivia Flores Alvarez

Centuries of customs
Rich in pageantry and symbolism, a quinceañera is a Hispanic tradition celebrating a 15-year-old girl’s transition from childhood into young womanhood. Quinceañera ceremonies include customs that are centuries old, each designed to recognize the girl’s new status as a young adult and also to reaffirm her religious faith. As the quinceañera, (the word “quinceañera” refers to both the celebration and the girl), stands on the threshold of adulthood, her family and friends come together to honor her and to welcome her into the adult community.

“On the day of her quinceañera, the girl is crowned the queen of her life,” says Isabella Wall, creator of Bella Quinceañera, an online shop and guide. “The celebrating of a quinceañera represents a new beginning for her. From this day forward, she’s going to have to take charge of her body and her life. She is stepping into adulthood.”

Staying connected
Celebrations in America are truly bilingual and bicultural events. “I see girls now longing for a sense of belonging, longing for a way to connect to the traditions of their culture,” says Wall. “The quinceañera is certainly a way to do that; it’s a way to bring a piece of Cuban culture or Mexican culture or whatever, to their very American life.”

Quinceañera customs vary from country to country. In fact, customs vary from city to city, almost neighborhood to neighborhood. Quinceanera-Boutique.com owner Sylvia Solheim says, “Even though a quince is a traditional celebration, traditions and customs change. There is no one right way to do this. Each girl is unique and each celebration should be, too.”

Olivia Flores Alvarez is the editor of BravoHouston!, an arts supplement to the Hispanic weekly newspaper Semana News. She regularly covers Latinos in entertainment for other Texas based publications, including the Houston Press newspaper and OutSmart Magazine. Olivia is also a contributing reporter for the KPFT Evening News, a Pacifica radio network affiliate.

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written by SarahMichelle, September 21, 2008

I totally understand about not pretending to be latina. I am fair skinned with freckles and green eyes. People never believe me when I say I am half Cuban... But its true! My dad does not understand anything about hispanic culture and doesnt want me to have a quinceanera(He's from the Shenendoah Valley, which has, like ZERO hispanics)

My friends all hate wearing dresses. Do you have any suggestions for Damas outfits that they might like?

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written by joel, August 30, 2008

hola me gustaria conoser chica y k lindo es este sitio me gustaria unirme

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written by Emily, July 28, 2008

I want to have a traditional quinceanera, but only one of my friends are latina, and my friends won't like my party. And my cumpleanos is so close to Halloween, I can't have a traditional quince anyway. Is it alright to have a costume quinceanera? it's also one of the only ways to get my friends to dress formal.

I really don't look Latina, I have red hair! but my father is mexican, and I like that side of my heritage, but what if people make fun of me for "pretending" to be latina. But I AM Latina, no matter what people say.

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written by LUPITA, June 19, 2008

HEY WAD BOUT THE PARINOS I'VE ONLY GOT THE ING smilies/cry.gif

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written by Megan Medina, June 11, 2008

Mine is in a year but my mom is all crazy trying to do everything. And she keeps tellin me to look for my escort because we don't have a lot of time. Well I want to ask this guy but i don't know how!Will you give me some advice on how to ask?!

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written by Lucia delrios de la mancha, May 20, 2008

my quinceanera is coming up this next wed and i am so nervous about everything! to be honest my family dosent seem to know what they are doing smilies/cry.gif

please send me some suggestions that i can pass on to mi familia! smilies/cheesy.gif