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{{Short description|Celebration of a girl's 15th birthday}}
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{{Unreferenced|date=October 2007}}
{{Italic title}}
The '''Quinceañera''' or ''Quince Años'' (sometimes represented ''XV Años'', meaning "fifteen years") is, in some Spanish-speaking regions of the ], a young woman's celebration of her ] birthday, which is commemorated in a unique and different way from her other birthdays.
{{More references needed|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
]]]


A '''{{lang|es|quinceañera}}''' (also {{lang|es|fiesta de quinceañera}}, {{lang|es|quince años}}, {{lang|es|fiesta de quince años}}, {{lang|es|quinceañero}} and {{lang|es|quinces}}) is a celebration of a girl's 15th birthday that is common in ] and other ]n cultures.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vzjmav_NPFoC&dq=Quinceanera+Spain&pg=PA306 |title=Perspectives on las Américas: A Reader in Culture, History, and Representation |isbn=978-0-470752067 |editor-last1=Rodríguez |editor-first1=Félix V. |editor-last2=Gutmann |editor-first2=Mathew C. |editor-last3=Stephen |editor-first3=Lynn |editor-last4=Zavella |editor-first4=Patricia |chapter=La Quinceañera: Making Gender and Ethnic Identities |last=Davalos |first=Karen Mary |date=15 April 2008 |publisher=]}}</ref> The girl celebrating her 15th birthday is a {{lang|es|quinceañera}} ({{IPA|es|kinseaˈɲeɾa}}; ] of "15-year-old"). In Latin America, the term {{lang|es|quinceañera}} is reserved solely for the honoree; in English, primarily in the United States, the term is used to refer to the celebrations and honors surrounding the special occasion.
Besides referring to the actual festivities, the word is also used to refer to the young woman whose 15th birthday is being celebrated (analogous to the word ''cumpleañera'' for "birthday girl"). The closest equivalents to the Quinceañera in the English-speaking world are the ], ], or, in more affluent communities, the ] for those who turn eighteen.


This birthday is celebrated differently from any other as it marks the transition from ] to young ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/quinceanera.shtml |title=Fifteen Questions on the Quinceañera |website=U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716045335/http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/quinceanera.shtml |archive-date=2011-07-16}}</ref> Historically, in the years prior to their 15th birthdays, girls learned about cooking, weaving, and childbearing from the elder women in their communities in preparation for their future roles as wives. During the celebration the girl's father would present her to potential suitors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://users.polisci.wisc.edu/LA260/quinceanera.htm |title=Quinceanera: History of a Tradition |website=Department of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison |access-date=2014-10-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141029070159/http://users.polisci.wisc.edu/LA260/quinceanera.htm |archive-date=2014-10-29}}</ref>
==History==
There are several different theories as to the origin of this celebration; the most common theory is that the Quinceañera was the result of a blending of mostly religious traditions from both Spanish conquerors and the native people of Mexico. Specifically, this celebration contains elements of the coming of age traditions and Mexican ceremonies, along with elements from Spanish culture.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} The Quinceañera resembles and probably gets its name from a 16th-century Spanish tradition of presenting one's 15-year-old daughter to society.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} Over time, as the natives were converted to ] by Spanish missionaries, they also began to emulate some of the practices of the Spanish.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}


In the past, parallel customs could be found in ], mainly Spain and France. Today, the custom remains strongest in ], its likely country of introduction during the ] or ] periods. However, it is widely celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. The grandest parties are comparable to British and American ] balls. The celebrations themselves vary significantly in different countries; for example, the festivities in some have taken on more religious overtones than in others. Nowadays, the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} is also celebrated by many ] in the United States, each according to their traditions.
== Puerto Rico ==
At a Quinceañera the party girl is accompanied by her relatives and friends. They join her for a religious ceremony and then for the party. When the girl goes to mass, she traditionally sits in a Peacock Chair covered in flowers such as a ] or a ]. {{Fact|date=February 2008}}


In Brazil, a Portuguese-speaking country, a similar celebration is called {{lang|pt|festa de debutantes}}, {{lang|pt|baile de debutantes}}, or {{lang|pt|festa de quinze anos}}. In the ] and ], it is called {{lang|fr|fête des quinze ans}}.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
== Cuba ==
The custom entered the country partly due to Spanish influence, but more so because of the French influence.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} Wealthy families, who could afford to rent luxurious halls at ]s or 4/5-star ] and to hire choreographers, were the actual pioneers of Quinceañeras.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} Although lower-income families could not afford the same display of wealth, they too started to celebrate Quinceañeras, which they called Quinces.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} Those celebrations usually took place at the home of the Quinceañera or at the more spacious house of a relative. Quinceañeras were very popular in Cuba until the late ], yet the practice is still relatively common today.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}


== Origin ==
In Cuba the Quinceañera is often considered to be one of the most important days of a young woman's life because it officially marks the transition from child to adult.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} Usually the quinceañera wears a big white dress.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2020}}
Contemporary festivities combine ] traditions from old ] with the traditions of indigenous heritages of pre-Columbian Mexico, along with a few modern twists, and rely heavily on European influence from the period of the ].<ref name="Girlhood">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R9seZ-3JCqsC&dq=Quinceanera+gowns+carlota&pg=PA536 |title=Girlhood in America: An Encyclopedia |editor-last1=Forman-Brunell |editor-first1=Miriam |chapter=La Quinceañera |publisher=] |isbn=978-1-576072066 |year=2001}}</ref> For example: In ancient Mexico, the ] and other indigenous peoples had many different ceremonies to mark the passage through the various stages of life. The {{lang|es|quinceañera}} marked a young woman's transition to adulthood, as she was presented, as a virgin, to the community for probable suitors.<ref name="LearnNC">{{Cite web |title=The Quinceañera Celebration — The Changing Face of Mexico |url=http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/chngmexico/218 |website=www.learnnc.org |access-date=2015-12-01}}</ref> Other origin stories attribute quinceañera history to the ] in Spain, who hosted a ] at her palace and invited adolescent girls to attend in formal clothes. This tradition would continue and was reinforced when Empress ], granddaughter of the ] of France, threw a similar reception for her court in ]—presenting young women as eligible for marriage. The traditions of the quinceañera wearing elaborate ball gowns, utilizing courtly European social customs, and ballroom dancing coincides with the styles and customs of the period of the Second Mexican Empire, which was an extension of the European royal courts of the time.<ref name="Girlhood"/>


In a traditional Mexican {{lang|es|quinceañera}}, young women and men have roles as formal {{lang|es|damas}} and {{lang|es|]}}, who perform special bends at the celebration, along with the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} herself. There is also a "man of honor" who accompanies the young woman. Potential suitors present gifts to her family to make up a ] or bridal wealth. Prior to her being given away, the women of the community participate by instructing the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} in her duties and responsibilities, urging her to follow the correct path, by remaining true to her people and their traditions throughout her life.
== Peru ==
In Peru, the parties may vary depending on many factors such as the socioeconomic level of the family. The party is generally a ] occasion. Usually the quinceañera descends a staircase as music plays, {{Fact|date=February 2008}} after which she will dance a waltz with her father, godfather or grandfather.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}


== Changes over the years ==
==Spain==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2020}}
In higher social circles, though, some girls have something called ''Puesta de Largo'', which is an introduction or presentation to the relatives or friends of her family as a woman.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} Most wealthy families throw huge parties to celebrate the beginning of their daughter's womanhood.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} In this tradition there are 15 couples and this dance is led by the girl's boyfriend.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
], ], Mexico]]
The meaning behind the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} has become more refined over time and has been adapted by various Latino cultures in relation to where they are living.


In rural societies, girls were considered ready for marriage once they turned 15. In the 20th century, the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} received certain privileges associated with womanhood: permission to attend adult parties, pluck her eyebrows and shave her legs, wear makeup, jewelry and high heels. When this tradition originated, the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} was a small party to celebrate the transition. Friends and family gathered in order to give the girl a chance to mingle with young men. Rich families celebrated {{lang|es|quinceañeras}} with big parties and elaborate dresses. In Latin American countries, wealthy families announced {{lang|es|quinceañeras}} in the newspapers to publicize their extravagant celebrations.
==El Salvador==
In El Salvador, these parties are called the ''Fiesta Rosa,'' at which the color of the birthday girl's dress is a rose pink ("rosa" in Spanish). {{Fact|date=February 2008}} When a young Salvadoran woman turns 15, she is welcomed into womanhood with a large ceremony. This Quinceañera is where all her friends and relatives gather to celebrate the fact that she is on the brink of womanhood. The young lady is dressed to resemble a mini bride, starting with a white dress. During this part of the evening, she has the first dance with her father.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} There are three steps to the ceremony: first the separation from her parents when she must blow out her candles or accept her flowers, then the transitional state, where she is no longer an adolescent, but not yet a full woman (the pink dress), and finally the emergence to womanhood, during which part of the evening she may wear a red dress.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}


In the 1960s, as more Latinos migrated to the United States, they brought their differing national traditions with them. Once in the United States, formerly poor immigrants with good jobs were able to have big parties such as those back in their home country. Family and friends often help put on the event, for example, by making food.<ref name="Encinias">{{Cite news |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/aug/8/inside-a-quinceanera-family-friends-pitch-in-to-he/?page=all |title=Inside a quinceanera: Family, friends pitch in to help out |last=Encinias |first=Shahrazad |access-date=2016-04-05 |work=]}}</ref> From a simple food and cake celebration, it has developed among wealthier families to become an occasion for a big party. Families may use event planners, and develop a celebration with a theme, to be staged with a special entrance and dances, and captured by professional ]s and video. Modern {{lang|es|quinceañera}} celebrations also incorporate traditions from other cultures. Markets for event planners and {{lang|es|quinceañera}}-related products have developed.<ref name="Alvarez">{{Cite book |title=Once Upon a Quinceañera |last=Alvarez |first=Julia |publisher=] |year=2007 |location=New York |pages=151–157}}</ref>
== United States ==
Because of the large population of Latino people in all areas of the United States, the Quinceañera celebration is becoming common. However, the way that it is celebrated can differ greatly depending on location, family tradition, and religion.


== In specific countries ==
In California, it is often the practice for many family members or ''Padrinos'' (godparents) to contribute funds for this special day. The Padrinos may be asked to provide for the quinceañera's dress, shoes, centerpieces, cost for the hall, alcoholic beverages or other various items that are essential for a Quinceañera.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}


=== Cuba ===
There are some traditions that seem to be practiced almost everywhere like the changing of the shoes, the first dance, and the quinceañera traditionally being dressed in a ball gown.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} However, all other aspects of the Quinceañera have become subject to the young girl and her family wishes. Some families celebrate the Quinceañera just as one big party. For other families, though, it is a deeply religious event and the young lady needs to have maintained a certain standard of modesty and behavior to be given the privilege of having a Quinceañera.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2020}}
In ], the party may include a choreographed group dance, in which 14 couples waltz around the {{lang|es|quinceañera}}, who is accompanied by one of the main dancers, a boy of her choice, or her boyfriend. The choreography often includes four or six dancers or escorts called experts, who are allowed to dance around the {{lang|es|quinceañera}}. They are usually inexperienced dancers whose function is to highlight the central couple. The male dancers are also allowed to wear ]s in different colors.


Fifteenth-birthday celebrations were very popular in Cuba until the late 1970s. This practice partly entered Cuba via Spain, but the greatest influence was the French.{{citation needed|date=September 2013}} The wealthy families who could afford to rent expensive dining rooms in private clubs or hotels of four and five stars held celebrations that were the precursors of {{lang|es|quinceañeras}}, which they called {{lang|es|quinces}}. These celebrations usually took place in the house of the girl or the more spacious house of a relative.
Until recently, there has been lacking a formal ritual for Quinceañeras for use within the U.S. Roman Catholic Church; priests and deacons have been left to adapt liturgies to the needs of the celebration. In 2007 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a formal ritual, approved by the Vatican, to be used in the context of Eucharistic liturgies, with adaptations for Liturgies of the Word.<ref>[http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/Quinceanera.pdf Order for the Blessing on the

Fifteenth Birthday], ], ] ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref>
Another tradition, commonly found in Cuba, is to have 14 ladies and 14 escorts (sometimes 7 each) as a court. The escorts hold flowers (usually roses) and the ] carry candles. As the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} dances the waltz with her father, she blows out one candle, then picks up one rose. This continues until she has blown out all the candles and picked up all the roses. The 14 candles blown out represent her 14 previous years, and with each she makes a wish. When the time comes to cut the cake, the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} will blow out her last candle, thus completing her 15 wishes. The flowers are given to her mother.<ref name="Härkönen">{{Cite journal |url=http://www.theasa.org/publications/asaonline/articles/asaonline_0104.shtml |title=Girls' 15-Year Birthday Celebration as Cuban Women's Space Outside of the Revolutionary State |last=Härkönen |first=Heidi |date=July 2011 |journal=Journal of the ] |number=1 |volume=4 |access-date=2017-10-14}}</ref>

=== Colombia ===
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2020}}
In Colombia, the {{lang|es|quince}} starts with the arrival of the teenage girl, accompanied by her father; she is received by her mother and other relatives and friends; father and daughter dance a waltz and other tunes.<ref name="Almand">{{cite web |last=Almand |first=Ray |title=A Quinceañera in Quito; Transition into Womanhood And a Big Fiesta for All |url=http://www.livewellecuador.com/Pages/Quinceanera.aspx |work=Live Well Ecuador |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601192805/http://www.livewellecuador.com/Pages/Quinceanera.aspx |archive-date=2012-06-01 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The {{lang|es|quinceañera}} birthday girl next dances with her brothers (if any) and their uncles and godparents. Then she performs the {{lang|es|]}} and the waltz with all members of the procession (then optional dances to other music, such as merengue or pop).

For this occasion the teenager wears an evening dress in light colors or pastels, is dressed and made up slightly, and usually places a ] in her hair and jewels on her neck and hands. All the guests dress in formal attire, including the teenager's peers.

After the first dance, the teenager and her friends have a dance. Then the festival begins with music from live bands, some famous artists, DJs, food, drink, and at one late point of the night a {{lang|es|la hora loca}}{{clarify|date=May 2020}} is carried out, in which the attendants wear masks or funny wigs and make noise with whistles and rattles while fast-tempo music is played. It is optional to make some surprise dance performed by the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} birthday girl (alone or accompanied), and a dance that will give away her friends, cousins, and others.

The custom's social significance is such that even poor families tend to spend lavishly on a daughter's {{lang|es|quinceañera}}. The event can cost as much as a year's wages, and many take up debt to be able to pay for it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.spiegel.de/lebenundlernen/schule/quinceanera-in-kolumbien-hochzeit-ohne-braeutigam-a-1219758.html |title=Quinceañera in Kolumbien: Wie eine Hochzeit ohne Bräutigam |trans-title=Quinceañera in Colombia: Like a Wedding without a Groom |last1=Hielscher |first1=Ines |date=5 August 2018 |work=] |language=de |access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>

=== French Guiana and French Caribbean ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2020}}
In ] and the ], the celebration is known as {{lang|fr|fête des quinze ans}}. It follows a similar structure.

=== Mexico ===
In Mexico, the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} is adorned with elegant jewelry and ]. By tradition, this was to be the first time she would wear makeup in public, but in the 21st century, girls start using makeup at an earlier age. The {{lang|es|quinceañera}} is also expected to wear a formal evening dress, traditionally a long, elegant ball gown chosen by the girl and most often, her mother, according to her favorite color and style.

]

In the Mexican Catholic tradition, the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} celebration begins with a thanksgiving ]. She arrives at church accompanied by her parents, godparents, and court of honor. The court of honor is a group of her chosen peers consisting of paired-off girls and boys, respectively known as {{lang|es|damas}} (]) and {{lang|es|chambelanes}} (]s). Typically, the court consists of pairs ranging from 7 to 15 {{lang|es|damas}} and {{lang|es|chambelanes}}. At this religious mass, a ], or sometimes a necklace with a ] or ] depicting Mexico's patron saint, the ], is presented to the teenager by her ]s, the necklace or rosary having been previously blessed by the priest. She is also awarded a ], which serves as a reminder that to her loved ones, especially her immediate family, the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} will always be a princess. Some also see it as denoting that she is a "princess" before God and the world. After this, the girl may leave her bouquet of flowers on the altar for the ].

After the thanksgiving mass, guests gather for a celebratory reception where the events to honor the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} will take place, including giving gifts. This reception may be held at the {{lang|es|quinceañera}}'s home, at venues (such as ]s, ]s, or ]s), or in some cases, in more public places, similar to a ]. During the reception, the birthday girl usually dances a traditional ] with her father to a song chosen by both that speaks about the occasion and their relationship. Then her father passes her to the {{lang|es|chambelán de honor}}, her chosen escort, and afterward they continue the dance with the rest of her court of honor. Often this section of the celebration is previously practiced and/or choreographed, often weeks in advance, sometimes even with months of anticipation.

The basic reception has six major parts<ref name="QT">{{cite web |url=http://www.quinceaneralocation.com/quinceaneraterms/index.html |title=Quinceañera Terms |date=2008 |website=Beverly Clark Enterprises |access-date=6 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201192742/http://www.quinceaneralocation.com/quinceaneraterms/index.html |archive-date=2014-02-01}}</ref> with dances taking place while a traditional Mexican meal is served:
# The formal entry ({{lang|es|La Entrada}}) – A grand entrance made by the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} once most guests have been seated.
# The formal ] ({{lang|es|El Brindis}})– An optional but usually featured part of the reception, generally initiated by the parents or godparents of the birthday girl.
# The first dance – Usually a waltz where the girl dances, starting with her father.
# The family dance – Usually a waltz involving just the immediate relatives, the {{lang|es|chambelanes}}, godparents, and the closest friends of the girl.
# The preferred song ({{lang|es|Baile Sorpresa}}) – Any modern song particularly enjoyed by the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} is played and danced.
# The general dance – Also usually a traditional waltz.
Traditionally, Mexican girls could not dance in public until they turned 15, except at school dances or at family events. So the waltz with her {{lang|es|chambelanes}} is choreographed and elaborate to celebrate what was meant to be the {{lang|es|quinceañera}}'s first public dance.

]

Some families may choose to add a ceremonial components to the celebration, depending on local customs. Among them are the ceremony of the Change of Shoes, in which a family member presents the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} with her first pair of ];<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MkjaAAAAMAAJ&q=quinceanera+Changing+of+Shoes, |title=Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives |last1=Kirk |first1=Gwyn |last2=Okazawa-Rey |first2=Margo |date=4 February 2009 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Education |isbn=978-0-073512303}}</ref> the Crowning ceremony, in which a close relative places a crown on her head;<ref name="OnceUpon"/> and {{lang|es|ceremonia de la última muñeca}} (literally "ceremony of the last doll"), during which her father presents her with a doll usually wearing a dress similar to the {{lang|es|quinceañera}}.<ref name="OnceUpon">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZOLE33j17UwC&q=quinceanera+ultima+mu%C3%B1eca&pg=PT110 |title=Once Upon a Quinceanera: Coming of Age in the USA |last1=Alvarez |first1=Julia |date=2 August 2007 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-1-101213407}}</ref> The ceremony of the last doll is based on a ] tradition; it is related to the birthday girl's later giving up of the doll as she grows into womanhood.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aNMWAQAAIAAJ&q=quinceanera+Crown+gift |title=Chican@s in the Conversations |last1=Kessler |first1=Elizabeth Rodriguez |last2=Perrin | first2=Anne |date=December 2007 |publisher=Pearson Longman |isbn=978-0-321394170}}</ref>

Once all symbolic gestures have taken place, the dinner is begun. At this point, the celebration reaches its peak; live musical groups begin playing music, keeping the guests entertained. The music is played while the guests dine, chat, mingle, and dance.
The next morning the family and closest friends may also attend a special breakfast, especially if they are staying with the family. Sometimes what is known as a {{lang|es|recalentado}} (re-warming) takes place in which any food not consumed during the event of the night before is warmed again for a brunch type event.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bellaonline.com/ArticlesP/art48324.asp |title=Fiesta de Quinceaños |first=Valerie D. |last=Aguilar |date=2012 |website=BellaOnline |access-date=29 January 2012}}</ref>

=== Spain ===
]
Although the origin of the festival seems to have its cause in the ancient European aristocratic festival of the "puesta de largo" - or "]" according to the nomenclature of foreign influence, in which young women of marriageable age were presented before society, this festival was always restricted to the upper classes in the peninsular kingdoms and in the 20th century its celebration age was delayed to coincide with the civil age of majority. Although it was exported to America, where it also took root among the popular classes, in Spain it gradually disappeared throughout the 20th century. However, the custom has been reintroduced again, although in a less formal version, as a result of Latin American immigration, whose members have applied it to their second generation. However, this version of the festival is not generally considered a custom typical of Spain, but rather exclusive to immigrants.

=== United States ===
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2020}}
{{See also|Sweet sixteen (birthday)|Bar and bat mitzvah}}
]
While in most of the ] it is customary to celebrate a ], a {{lang|es|quinceañera}} is common amongst the large ] population from California to Florida, as well as within the other Hispanic communities throughout the country and ]. Quinceañeras were noted to be celebrated in the mid- to late 1970s in Los Angeles and San Diego and in the early 1980s in different parts of Texas. Though they may not have been widespread, many working-class families could afford {{lang|es|quinceañeras}} because the {{lang|es|padrinos}} and {{lang|es|padrones}} pitch in for the costs. In recent years,{{when|date=May 2018}} {{lang|es|quinceañeras}} have gained popularity in the United States. Books and other publications about {{lang|es|quinceañeras}} distributed in the United States increasingly include English versions to the original works in Spanish. This shows the increasing influence of Hispanic and Latino culture within the broader American culture.<ref name="Najera">{{cite book |title=Chicana Traditions: Continuity and Change |editor1-last=Cantú |editor1-first=Norma E. |editor2-last=Nájera-Ramírez |editor2-first=Olga |name-list-style=amp |date=2002 |publisher=University of Illinois Press}}</ref> The increasing popularity of the celebration has begun to lead to an uptick in retailers and businesses catering directly to young Hispanic or Latina women.<ref name="Gonzalez">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/05/nyregion/the-quinceanera-a-rite-of-passage-in-transition.html |title=The Quinceañera, a Rite of Passage in Transition |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Marybel |date=2016-06-04 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=27 August 2017}}</ref>

== New traditions ==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2020}}
In the 21st century, many girls create their own {{lang|es|quinceañera}} celebrations. Whereas traditional dresses were formal and usually white dresses only and are now more varied.<ref name="LearnNC"/> Also, instead of having the traditional seven {{lang|es|damas}} and seven {{lang|es|chambelanes}}, the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} may pick all {{lang|es|damas}} or all {{lang|es|chambelanes}}. Traditionally, girls were not allowed to dance in public until turning 15, but this taboo has also receded significantly. The ceremony of the Changing of the Shoes has also been modified. Instead of wearing slippers before ceremonially exchanging them for ], a girl may decide to wear shoes compatible with the color and style of her dress instead of donning the traditional slippers.<ref>{{cite web |title=What Your Quince Shoes Say About You |url=https://www.quinceanera.com/fashion/what-your-quince-shoes-say-about-you |website=www.quinceanera.com |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref>
==Celebrities who had {{lang|es|quinceañeras}}==
Several Latin-American celebrities had quinceañeras growing up.<ref>{{cite web |title=Now That's a Quinceanera! - Q By DaVinci Blog |url=https://qbydavinci.com/blog/now-thats-a-quinceanera/ |website=qbydavinci.com |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref>
*] started working at a fastfood restaurant to pay for hers<ref name="LatinaCelebrities">{{cite web |url=http://www.latina.com/celebrity/celebrities-stars-quinceanera |title=5 Celebrities Who Had a Quinceañera! |first=Priscilla |last=Rodriguez |date=March 28, 2014 |website=] |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321091347/http://www.latina.com/celebrity/celebrities-stars-quinceanera |archive-date=2017-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.com/celebrity/eva-longoria-on-why-she-couldnt-wait-to-pay-for-her-own-quinceanera-and-how-it-empowered-her/ |title=Eva Longoria on Why She 'Couldn't Wait' to Pay for Her Own Quinceañera — and How It Empowered Her |first=Natalie |last=Stone |date=November 10, 2016 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFwEWqe7waQ |title=Eva Longoria Worked At Wendy's Illegally To Pay For Her Quinceañera – CONAN on TBS |date=9 May 2018 |website=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211113/wFwEWqe7waQ |archive-date=2021-11-13}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*]<ref name="LatinaCelebrities" /><ref>{{Cite tweet |last=Raisa |first=Francia |user=franciaraisa |number=605916480920653824 |date=2 June 2015 |title=At the end of the day it's out of love #WTFrancia #parents #quinceñera #takemebacktuesday thanks for listening!pic.twitter.com/P3ISl9ep56}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/fiercebymitu/p/CFzUP03HJ6b/ |website=www.instagram.com |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref>
*] had her quincenera to honor her Cuban heritage through her father<ref name="LatinaCelebrities" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.latina.com/entertainment/buzz/bella-thorne-quinceanera-fifteen-birthday |title=Bella Thorne Embraces Her Roots With Star-Studded Quinceañera |first=Kamren |last=Curiel |date=2012-10-22 |website=Latina |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026040955/http://www.latina.com/entertainment/buzz/bella-thorne-quinceanera-fifteen-birthday |archive-date=2012-10-26}}</ref>
*]<ref name="LatinaCelebrities" />
*] described her quinceanera as lowbudget and lame<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2017/02/02/513075801/justina-machado-on-her-quincea-era-rita-morenos-abs-and-one-day-at-a-time |title=Justina Machado On Her Quinceañera, Rita Moreno's Abs And 'One Day At A Time' |date=February 2, 2017 |website=NPR.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |last=Machado |first=Justina |user=JustinaMachado |number=429137892946870272 |date=30 January 2014 |title=My first #tbt.. Who else had a Quinceañera?!! #chitowndays...pic.twitter.com/K6TPNMfGKJ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://wearemitu.com/entertainment/justina-machado-bank-teller-actress/ |title=This Is How Justina Machado Went From Being A Bank Teller To Penelope In 'One Day At A Time' |date=17 January 2019 |website=we are mitú |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204090748/https://wearemitu.com/entertainment/justina-machado-bank-teller-actress/ |archive-date=2019-02-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B-idEB1B8Tq/ |website=www.instagram.com |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B-nFGH1hRFa/ |website=www.instagram.com |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fernandez |first1=Maria Elena |title=One Day at a Time's Justina Machado on Getting Her First Leading TV Role, Fidel Castro, and Her Low-Budget Quinceañera |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/12/justina-machado-one-day-at-a-time-on-her-first-leading-tv-role.html |website=Vulture |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en |date=6 January 2017}}</ref>
*], daughter of ]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.quinceanera.com/celebrities/fans-mourn-the-loss-of-jenni-rivera/ |last1=Madrina |first1=Quince |title=Fans mourn the loss of Jenni Rivera |website=Quinceanera |date=16 December 2012}}</ref>
*] never had one so she got one from fellow costar ] and a doble quinceañera<ref>{{cite web |title=America Ferrera gets the quinceañera she never had |url=https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20191009fieg2dz7mc/america-ferrera-lilly-singh-quinceanera/ |website=HOLA |access-date=3 June 2024 |date=9 October 2019}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
'']'' calls Argentinian American author ]'s 2022 novel ''Twice a Quinceañera: A Delightful Second Chance Romance'' "enchanting." The story tells how "After breaking off a five-year engagement, a young woman embarks on a quest for self-love by throwing herself a Double Quinceañera for her 30th birthday."<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/yamile-saied-mendez/twice-a-quinceanera/ |title=Twice A Quinceañera |website=Kirkus Reviews |language=en}}</ref>

=== {{lang|es|Quinceañera}} specials ===
Quinceañeras have been shown a lot in the movies, tv shows, documentaries and online series as a learning for those wanting to know about it.<ref>{{cite web |title=Five Quinceañeras shine in new HBO series '15: A Quinceañera Story' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/five-quincea-eras-shine-new-hbo-series-15-quincea-era-n831336 |website=NBC News |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en |date=20 December 2017}}</ref> sometimes it could be found in books as way.<ref>{{cite web |title=Quinceañera Stories |url=https://www.colorincolorado.org/booklist/quincea%C3%B1era-stories |website=www.colorincolorado.org |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en |date=29 April 2015}}</ref>
Notable {{lang|es|quinceañera}}-related movies and television episodes
*'']'' - "Quinceaňeras & Clubs"
*]
*'']'' - Quinceaneras, Quarterbacks and K9s
*'']'' - "15 Candles"
*'']'' - "Puerto Rican Predicament"
*'']'' - "Daisy, La Quinceañera"
*'']'' - "My Fair Naomi"
*'']'' - "Quinceañera"
*'']'' - "Bringing Home the Bacon"
*'']'' - "Kristene-ceañera"
*'']'' - "Quinceañera"
*'']'' - "The Quinceañero"
*'']'' - "Tertiary Optio"
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']'' - "Janelle", "Alexa", "Stephanie", and "Alana"
*'']'' - "Chapter Seven"
*'']'' - Quinces
*''The Owl House'' - "Watching and Dreaming"
*'']'' - Angela, gina, temmora
*'']'' - "Raging Bully"
*'']''
*'']''
*'']'' - "Last Waltz"
*'']'' - "Fifteen's Quinceaňera"
*'']'' - E70-72
*'']'' - "Stuck In the Quinceaňera", "Stuck In a Fakeout", "Stuck In Harley's Quinceaňera"
*'']'' - "Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon"
*'']'' - "Quinceañera"
*'']''
*'']''
*'']'' - Quinceañero
*'']'' - "Quinceaňera"
*'']'' - S3 E4
*'']'' - "Quinceañera"

==Adult {{lang|es|quinceañeras}}==
Since 2018, there has been a trend going around involving {{lang|es|quinceañeras}} because nowadays there are Latin American adults celebrating their birthdays with the {{lang|es|quinceañera}} they never had at 15.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nahmad |first1=Erica |title=Reinterpreting the Modern Quinceañera |url=https://belatina.com/reimagining-modern-quinceanera/#:~:text=Enter%20the%20Double%20Quinceañera%2C%20which%20is%20quite%20simply,woman%20comes%20into%20her%20own%20and%20turns%2030. |website=BELatina |date=22 March 2020}}</ref> As times have changed over the years, {{lang|es|quinceañeras}} have changed from mother-daughter dances to hiring professional dancers as chambelanes to party themes incorporating pop culture (for example a Harry Potter quince), so the parties have evolved to fit individuals' personalities and circumstances.<ref>{{cite web |title=We Talked to 7 People Who Turned Their 30th Birthday Party Into a Doble Quinceañera |url=https://remezcla.com/features/culture/doble-quinceanera-treintanera-celebrations/ |website=Remezcla}}</ref> Many Latina women celebrated their dream celebrations as adults because they never had theirs due to financial problems, pressure from parents or family emergencies.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Garcia |first1=Tess |title=30 Is the New 15: Inside the Burgeoning World of Doble Quinceañeras |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2022/10/11139987/doble-quinceanera-30th-birthday-party |website=www.refinery29.com |language=en}}</ref> '']'' calls Argentinian American author ]'s 2022 novel ''Twice a Quinceañera: A Delightful Second Chance Romance'' "enchanting." The story tells how "After breaking off a five-year engagement, a young woman embarks on a quest for self-love by throwing herself a Double Quinceañera for her 30th birthday."<ref>{{cite web |title=TWICE A QUINCEAÑERA {{!}} Kirkus Reviews |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/yamile-saied-mendez/twice-a-quinceanera/ |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref> on September 10th, 2023, a woman from Oakley, California had one Disney princess and the frog theme for her 60th birthday after a diabetic condition almost severely impacted her health.<ref>{{cite web |last1=America |first1=Good Morning |title=Why this woman had a quinceanera to celebrate her 60th birthday |url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/60-year-celebrates-birthday-tiana-themed-quinceanera-103573340 |website=Good Morning America |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Woman Who Wasn't Sure She'd Make It to 60 Throws Herself a Quinceañera for Her Birthday |journal=Peoplemag |url=https://people.com/woman-who-wasnt-sure-shed-make-it-to-60-throws-herself-quinceanera-8348636 |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

==Charitable Donors/MakeaWish==
Some disadvantaged girls who are either in foster care or battling illness have quinceañeras through Charity programs like MakeaWish and St. Jude.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Alvarado |first1=Monsy |title=Tina's quinceañera: a tradition of a lifetime |url=https://www.stjude.org/inspire/series/possibilities/tinas-quinceaera-tradition-of-a-lifetime.html |website=www.stjude.org |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mercy's Quinceañera of her dreams |url=https://wish.org/midatlantic/mercyswish |website=wish.org |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Genesis Tamez Wish- Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana |url=https://wish.org/texgulf/genesis-wish-have-quinceanera |website=wish.org |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Digital |first1=FOX 26 |title=Make-A-Wish grants 14-year-old Houston girl her dream quinceañera |url=https://www.fox26houston.com/news/make-a-wish-grants-14-year-old-houston-girl-her-dream-quinceanera |website=FOX 26 Houston |access-date=3 June 2024 |date=19 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=15-year-old gets special quinceañera thanks to Make-A-Wish |url=https://longisland.news12.com/15yearold-gets-special-quinceanera-thanks-to-makeawish-42544144 |website=News 12 - Long Island |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Julia's Wish to Have a Quinceañera! {{!}} Make-A-Wish | website=] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U9L7VKixLk |access-date=3 June 2024 |date=2 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=GOYA FOODS PARTNERS WITH MAKE-A-WISH NEW JERSEY TO GRANT TEENAGE GIRL'S WISH TO HAVE A QUINCEAÑERA {{!}} Goya Foods |url=https://www.goya.com/en/our-company/press-room/make-a-wish |website=www.goya.com |access-date=3 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Mexico|Hispanic and Latino American|Latin America}}
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* {{lang|es|]}}
* ]
* ]
* ]


== References == == References ==
'''Notes'''
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

'''Bibliography'''
*{{cite book |last=Alvarez |first=Julia |title=Once Upon a Quinceañera: Coming of Age in the USA |location=New York City |publisher=Viking |date=2007 |isbn=978-0-670-03873-2}}
*{{cite book |first1=Claudia |last1=Mitchell |first2=Jacqueline |last2=Reid-Walsh |name-list-style=amp |date=2008 |title=Girl Culture: Studying Girl Culture – A Readers' Guide |publisher=ABC-CLIO |pages=493–496 |isbn=978-0-313-33909-7}} ({{Google books|arQy0v_PBx4C|online copy|page=493}})
*{{cite book |editor-last=Stavans |editor-first=Ilans |title=Quinceañera |publisher=ABC-CLIO |date=2010 |isbn=978-0-313-35824-1}}


== External links == == External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Quinceañeras}}
* from the ].
* at ]


{{Authority control}}
]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Quinceanera}}
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Latest revision as of 05:58, 12 January 2025

Celebration of a girl's 15th birthday For other uses, see Quinceañera (disambiguation).

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Find sources: "Quinceañera" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Mexican American girls at a quinceañera celebration in Santa Fe, New Mexico

A quinceañera (also fiesta de quinceañera, quince años, fiesta de quince años, quinceañero and quinces) is a celebration of a girl's 15th birthday that is common in Mexican and other Latin American cultures. The girl celebrating her 15th birthday is a quinceañera (Spanish pronunciation: [kinseaˈɲeɾa]; feminine form of "15-year-old"). In Latin America, the term quinceañera is reserved solely for the honoree; in English, primarily in the United States, the term is used to refer to the celebrations and honors surrounding the special occasion.

This birthday is celebrated differently from any other as it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood. Historically, in the years prior to their 15th birthdays, girls learned about cooking, weaving, and childbearing from the elder women in their communities in preparation for their future roles as wives. During the celebration the girl's father would present her to potential suitors.

In the past, parallel customs could be found in Southern Europe, mainly Spain and France. Today, the custom remains strongest in Mexico, its likely country of introduction during the viceregal or Mexican imperial periods. However, it is widely celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. The grandest parties are comparable to British and American debutante balls. The celebrations themselves vary significantly in different countries; for example, the festivities in some have taken on more religious overtones than in others. Nowadays, the quinceañera is also celebrated by many Latino Americans in the United States, each according to their traditions.

In Brazil, a Portuguese-speaking country, a similar celebration is called festa de debutantes, baile de debutantes, or festa de quinze anos. In the French Caribbean and French Guiana, it is called fête des quinze ans.

Origin

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Contemporary festivities combine Catholic traditions from old Spain with the traditions of indigenous heritages of pre-Columbian Mexico, along with a few modern twists, and rely heavily on European influence from the period of the Second Mexican Empire. For example: In ancient Mexico, the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples had many different ceremonies to mark the passage through the various stages of life. The quinceañera marked a young woman's transition to adulthood, as she was presented, as a virgin, to the community for probable suitors. Other origin stories attribute quinceañera history to the Duchess of Alba in Spain, who hosted a ball at her palace and invited adolescent girls to attend in formal clothes. This tradition would continue and was reinforced when Empress Carlota of Mexico, granddaughter of the Louis Philippe I of France, threw a similar reception for her court in Mexico City—presenting young women as eligible for marriage. The traditions of the quinceañera wearing elaborate ball gowns, utilizing courtly European social customs, and ballroom dancing coincides with the styles and customs of the period of the Second Mexican Empire, which was an extension of the European royal courts of the time.

In a traditional Mexican quinceañera, young women and men have roles as formal damas and chambelanes, who perform special bends at the celebration, along with the quinceañera herself. There is also a "man of honor" who accompanies the young woman. Potential suitors present gifts to her family to make up a dowry or bridal wealth. Prior to her being given away, the women of the community participate by instructing the quinceañera in her duties and responsibilities, urging her to follow the correct path, by remaining true to her people and their traditions throughout her life.

Changes over the years

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A fiesta de quince años at the Church of San Martin in San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla, Mexico

The meaning behind the quinceañera has become more refined over time and has been adapted by various Latino cultures in relation to where they are living.

In rural societies, girls were considered ready for marriage once they turned 15. In the 20th century, the quinceañera received certain privileges associated with womanhood: permission to attend adult parties, pluck her eyebrows and shave her legs, wear makeup, jewelry and high heels. When this tradition originated, the quinceañera was a small party to celebrate the transition. Friends and family gathered in order to give the girl a chance to mingle with young men. Rich families celebrated quinceañeras with big parties and elaborate dresses. In Latin American countries, wealthy families announced quinceañeras in the newspapers to publicize their extravagant celebrations.

In the 1960s, as more Latinos migrated to the United States, they brought their differing national traditions with them. Once in the United States, formerly poor immigrants with good jobs were able to have big parties such as those back in their home country. Family and friends often help put on the event, for example, by making food. From a simple food and cake celebration, it has developed among wealthier families to become an occasion for a big party. Families may use event planners, and develop a celebration with a theme, to be staged with a special entrance and dances, and captured by professional photoshoots and video. Modern quinceañera celebrations also incorporate traditions from other cultures. Markets for event planners and quinceañera-related products have developed.

In specific countries

Cuba

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In Cuba, the party may include a choreographed group dance, in which 14 couples waltz around the quinceañera, who is accompanied by one of the main dancers, a boy of her choice, or her boyfriend. The choreography often includes four or six dancers or escorts called experts, who are allowed to dance around the quinceañera. They are usually inexperienced dancers whose function is to highlight the central couple. The male dancers are also allowed to wear tuxedos in different colors.

Fifteenth-birthday celebrations were very popular in Cuba until the late 1970s. This practice partly entered Cuba via Spain, but the greatest influence was the French. The wealthy families who could afford to rent expensive dining rooms in private clubs or hotels of four and five stars held celebrations that were the precursors of quinceañeras, which they called quinces. These celebrations usually took place in the house of the girl or the more spacious house of a relative.

Another tradition, commonly found in Cuba, is to have 14 ladies and 14 escorts (sometimes 7 each) as a court. The escorts hold flowers (usually roses) and the ladies carry candles. As the quinceañera dances the waltz with her father, she blows out one candle, then picks up one rose. This continues until she has blown out all the candles and picked up all the roses. The 14 candles blown out represent her 14 previous years, and with each she makes a wish. When the time comes to cut the cake, the quinceañera will blow out her last candle, thus completing her 15 wishes. The flowers are given to her mother.

Colombia

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In Colombia, the quince starts with the arrival of the teenage girl, accompanied by her father; she is received by her mother and other relatives and friends; father and daughter dance a waltz and other tunes. The quinceañera birthday girl next dances with her brothers (if any) and their uncles and godparents. Then she performs the pasodoble and the waltz with all members of the procession (then optional dances to other music, such as merengue or pop).

For this occasion the teenager wears an evening dress in light colors or pastels, is dressed and made up slightly, and usually places a tiara in her hair and jewels on her neck and hands. All the guests dress in formal attire, including the teenager's peers.

After the first dance, the teenager and her friends have a dance. Then the festival begins with music from live bands, some famous artists, DJs, food, drink, and at one late point of the night a la hora loca is carried out, in which the attendants wear masks or funny wigs and make noise with whistles and rattles while fast-tempo music is played. It is optional to make some surprise dance performed by the quinceañera birthday girl (alone or accompanied), and a dance that will give away her friends, cousins, and others.

The custom's social significance is such that even poor families tend to spend lavishly on a daughter's quinceañera. The event can cost as much as a year's wages, and many take up debt to be able to pay for it.

French Guiana and French Caribbean

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In French Guiana and the French Caribbean, the celebration is known as fête des quinze ans. It follows a similar structure.

Mexico

In Mexico, the quinceañera is adorned with elegant jewelry and makeup. By tradition, this was to be the first time she would wear makeup in public, but in the 21st century, girls start using makeup at an earlier age. The quinceañera is also expected to wear a formal evening dress, traditionally a long, elegant ball gown chosen by the girl and most often, her mother, according to her favorite color and style.

A Mexican quinceañera celebration

In the Mexican Catholic tradition, the quinceañera celebration begins with a thanksgiving Mass. She arrives at church accompanied by her parents, godparents, and court of honor. The court of honor is a group of her chosen peers consisting of paired-off girls and boys, respectively known as damas (dames) and chambelanes (chamberlains). Typically, the court consists of pairs ranging from 7 to 15 damas and chambelanes. At this religious mass, a Rosary, or sometimes a necklace with a locket or pendant depicting Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is presented to the teenager by her godparents, the necklace or rosary having been previously blessed by the priest. She is also awarded a tiara, which serves as a reminder that to her loved ones, especially her immediate family, the quinceañera will always be a princess. Some also see it as denoting that she is a "princess" before God and the world. After this, the girl may leave her bouquet of flowers on the altar for the Virgin Mary.

After the thanksgiving mass, guests gather for a celebratory reception where the events to honor the quinceañera will take place, including giving gifts. This reception may be held at the quinceañera's home, at venues (such as dining halls, banquet halls, or casinos), or in some cases, in more public places, similar to a block party. During the reception, the birthday girl usually dances a traditional waltz with her father to a song chosen by both that speaks about the occasion and their relationship. Then her father passes her to the chambelán de honor, her chosen escort, and afterward they continue the dance with the rest of her court of honor. Often this section of the celebration is previously practiced and/or choreographed, often weeks in advance, sometimes even with months of anticipation.

The basic reception has six major parts with dances taking place while a traditional Mexican meal is served:

  1. The formal entry (La Entrada) – A grand entrance made by the quinceañera once most guests have been seated.
  2. The formal toast (El Brindis)– An optional but usually featured part of the reception, generally initiated by the parents or godparents of the birthday girl.
  3. The first dance – Usually a waltz where the girl dances, starting with her father.
  4. The family dance – Usually a waltz involving just the immediate relatives, the chambelanes, godparents, and the closest friends of the girl.
  5. The preferred song (Baile Sorpresa) – Any modern song particularly enjoyed by the quinceañera is played and danced.
  6. The general dance – Also usually a traditional waltz.

Traditionally, Mexican girls could not dance in public until they turned 15, except at school dances or at family events. So the waltz with her chambelanes is choreographed and elaborate to celebrate what was meant to be the quinceañera's first public dance.

Quinceañera with chambelanes

Some families may choose to add a ceremonial components to the celebration, depending on local customs. Among them are the ceremony of the Change of Shoes, in which a family member presents the quinceañera with her first pair of high heel shoes; the Crowning ceremony, in which a close relative places a crown on her head; and ceremonia de la última muñeca (literally "ceremony of the last doll"), during which her father presents her with a doll usually wearing a dress similar to the quinceañera. The ceremony of the last doll is based on a Maya tradition; it is related to the birthday girl's later giving up of the doll as she grows into womanhood.

Once all symbolic gestures have taken place, the dinner is begun. At this point, the celebration reaches its peak; live musical groups begin playing music, keeping the guests entertained. The music is played while the guests dine, chat, mingle, and dance. The next morning the family and closest friends may also attend a special breakfast, especially if they are staying with the family. Sometimes what is known as a recalentado (re-warming) takes place in which any food not consumed during the event of the night before is warmed again for a brunch type event.

Spain

European ball, c. 1774

Although the origin of the festival seems to have its cause in the ancient European aristocratic festival of the "puesta de largo" - or "Debutante ball" according to the nomenclature of foreign influence, in which young women of marriageable age were presented before society, this festival was always restricted to the upper classes in the peninsular kingdoms and in the 20th century its celebration age was delayed to coincide with the civil age of majority. Although it was exported to America, where it also took root among the popular classes, in Spain it gradually disappeared throughout the 20th century. However, the custom has been reintroduced again, although in a less formal version, as a result of Latin American immigration, whose members have applied it to their second generation. However, this version of the festival is not generally considered a custom typical of Spain, but rather exclusive to immigrants.

United States

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See also: Sweet sixteen (birthday) and Bar and bat mitzvah
Quinceañera. Santa Fe.

While in most of the United States it is customary to celebrate a sweet sixteen, a quinceañera is common amongst the large Mexican American population from California to Florida, as well as within the other Hispanic communities throughout the country and Puerto Rico. Quinceañeras were noted to be celebrated in the mid- to late 1970s in Los Angeles and San Diego and in the early 1980s in different parts of Texas. Though they may not have been widespread, many working-class families could afford quinceañeras because the padrinos and padrones pitch in for the costs. In recent years, quinceañeras have gained popularity in the United States. Books and other publications about quinceañeras distributed in the United States increasingly include English versions to the original works in Spanish. This shows the increasing influence of Hispanic and Latino culture within the broader American culture. The increasing popularity of the celebration has begun to lead to an uptick in retailers and businesses catering directly to young Hispanic or Latina women.

New traditions

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In the 21st century, many girls create their own quinceañera celebrations. Whereas traditional dresses were formal and usually white dresses only and are now more varied. Also, instead of having the traditional seven damas and seven chambelanes, the quinceañera may pick all damas or all chambelanes. Traditionally, girls were not allowed to dance in public until turning 15, but this taboo has also receded significantly. The ceremony of the Changing of the Shoes has also been modified. Instead of wearing slippers before ceremonially exchanging them for high heels, a girl may decide to wear shoes compatible with the color and style of her dress instead of donning the traditional slippers.

Celebrities who had quinceañeras

Several Latin-American celebrities had quinceañeras growing up.

In popular culture

Kirkus Reviews calls Argentinian American author Yamile Saied Méndez's 2022 novel Twice a Quinceañera: A Delightful Second Chance Romance "enchanting." The story tells how "After breaking off a five-year engagement, a young woman embarks on a quest for self-love by throwing herself a Double Quinceañera for her 30th birthday."

Quinceañera specials

Quinceañeras have been shown a lot in the movies, tv shows, documentaries and online series as a learning for those wanting to know about it. sometimes it could be found in books as way. Notable quinceañera-related movies and television episodes

Adult quinceañeras

Since 2018, there has been a trend going around involving quinceañeras because nowadays there are Latin American adults celebrating their birthdays with the quinceañera they never had at 15. As times have changed over the years, quinceañeras have changed from mother-daughter dances to hiring professional dancers as chambelanes to party themes incorporating pop culture (for example a Harry Potter quince), so the parties have evolved to fit individuals' personalities and circumstances. Many Latina women celebrated their dream celebrations as adults because they never had theirs due to financial problems, pressure from parents or family emergencies. Kirkus Reviews calls Argentinian American author Yamile Saied Méndez's 2022 novel Twice a Quinceañera: A Delightful Second Chance Romance "enchanting." The story tells how "After breaking off a five-year engagement, a young woman embarks on a quest for self-love by throwing herself a Double Quinceañera for her 30th birthday." on September 10th, 2023, a woman from Oakley, California had one Disney princess and the frog theme for her 60th birthday after a diabetic condition almost severely impacted her health.

Charitable Donors/MakeaWish

Some disadvantaged girls who are either in foster care or battling illness have quinceañeras through Charity programs like MakeaWish and St. Jude.

See also

References

Notes

  1. Davalos, Karen Mary (15 April 2008). "La Quinceañera: Making Gender and Ethnic Identities". In Rodríguez, Félix V.; Gutmann, Mathew C.; Stephen, Lynn; Zavella, Patricia (eds.). Perspectives on las Américas: A Reader in Culture, History, and Representation. Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-470752067.
  2. "Fifteen Questions on the Quinceañera". U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011.
  3. "Quinceanera: History of a Tradition". Department of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Archived from the original on 29 October 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  4. ^ Forman-Brunell, Miriam, ed. (2001). "La Quinceañera". Girlhood in America: An Encyclopedia. ABC-Clio. ISBN 978-1-576072066.
  5. ^ "The Quinceañera Celebration — The Changing Face of Mexico". www.learnnc.org. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  6. Encinias, Shahrazad. "Inside a quinceanera: Family, friends pitch in to help out". The Washington Times. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  7. Alvarez, Julia (2007). Once Upon a Quinceañera. New York: McGraw Hill. pp. 151–157.
  8. Härkönen, Heidi (July 2011). "Girls' 15-Year Birthday Celebration as Cuban Women's Space Outside of the Revolutionary State". Journal of the Association of Social Anthropologists. 4 (1). Retrieved 14 October 2017.
  9. Almand, Ray. "A Quinceañera in Quito; Transition into Womanhood And a Big Fiesta for All". Live Well Ecuador. Archived from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
  10. Hielscher, Ines (5 August 2018). "Quinceañera in Kolumbien: Wie eine Hochzeit ohne Bräutigam" [Quinceañera in Colombia: Like a Wedding without a Groom]. Spiegel Online (in German). Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  11. "Quinceañera Terms". Beverly Clark Enterprises. 2008. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2012.
  12. Kirk, Gwyn; Okazawa-Rey, Margo (4 February 2009). Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN 978-0-073512303.
  13. ^ Alvarez, Julia (2 August 2007). Once Upon a Quinceanera: Coming of Age in the USA. Penguin. ISBN 978-1-101213407.
  14. Kessler, Elizabeth Rodriguez; Perrin, Anne (December 2007). Chican@s in the Conversations. Pearson Longman. ISBN 978-0-321394170.
  15. Aguilar, Valerie D. (2012). "Fiesta de Quinceaños". BellaOnline. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  16. Cantú, Norma E. & Nájera-Ramírez, Olga, eds. (2002). Chicana Traditions: Continuity and Change. University of Illinois Press.
  17. Gonzalez, Marybel (4 June 2016). "The Quinceañera, a Rite of Passage in Transition". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
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  21. Stone, Natalie (10 November 2016). "Eva Longoria on Why She 'Couldn't Wait' to Pay for Her Own Quinceañera — and How It Empowered Her". People.
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  23. Raisa, Francia (2 June 2015). "At the end of the day it's out of love #WTFrancia #parents #quinceñera #takemebacktuesday thanks for listening!pic.twitter.com/P3ISl9ep56" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
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  26. "Justina Machado On Her Quinceañera, Rita Moreno's Abs And 'One Day At A Time'". NPR.org. 2 February 2017.
  27. Machado, Justina (30 January 2014). "My first #tbt.. Who else had a Quinceañera?!! #chitowndays...pic.twitter.com/K6TPNMfGKJ" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  28. "This Is How Justina Machado Went From Being A Bank Teller To Penelope In 'One Day At A Time'". we are mitú. 17 January 2019. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019.
  29. "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  30. "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  31. Fernandez, Maria Elena (6 January 2017). "One Day at a Time's Justina Machado on Getting Her First Leading TV Role, Fidel Castro, and Her Low-Budget Quinceañera". Vulture. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  32. Madrina, Quince (16 December 2012). "Fans mourn the loss of Jenni Rivera". Quinceanera.
  33. "America Ferrera gets the quinceañera she never had". HOLA. 9 October 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  34. Twice A Quinceañera. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  35. "Five Quinceañeras shine in new HBO series '15: A Quinceañera Story'". NBC News. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  36. "Quinceañera Stories". www.colorincolorado.org. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  37. Nahmad, Erica (22 March 2020). "Reinterpreting the Modern Quinceañera". BELatina.
  38. "We Talked to 7 People Who Turned Their 30th Birthday Party Into a Doble Quinceañera". Remezcla.
  39. Garcia, Tess. "30 Is the New 15: Inside the Burgeoning World of Doble Quinceañeras". www.refinery29.com.
  40. "TWICE A QUINCEAÑERA | Kirkus Reviews". Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  41. America, Good Morning. "Why this woman had a quinceanera to celebrate her 60th birthday". Good Morning America. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  42. "Woman Who Wasn't Sure She'd Make It to 60 Throws Herself a Quinceañera for Her Birthday". Peoplemag. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  43. Alvarado, Monsy. "Tina's quinceañera: a tradition of a lifetime". www.stjude.org. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  44. "Mercy's Quinceañera of her dreams". wish.org. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  45. "Genesis Tamez Wish- Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana". wish.org. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  46. Digital, FOX 26 (19 November 2022). "Make-A-Wish grants 14-year-old Houston girl her dream quinceañera". FOX 26 Houston. Retrieved 3 June 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  47. "15-year-old gets special quinceañera thanks to Make-A-Wish". News 12 - Long Island. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  48. "Julia's Wish to Have a Quinceañera! | Make-A-Wish". YouTube. 2 August 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  49. "GOYA FOODS PARTNERS WITH MAKE-A-WISH NEW JERSEY TO GRANT TEENAGE GIRL'S WISH TO HAVE A QUINCEAÑERA | Goya Foods". www.goya.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.

Bibliography

External links

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