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"Sweet Fifteen"  or "Quinceañera"

An Hispanic Celebration of Womanhood

The transition from childhood to womanhood is a significant passage for adolescent girls in almost all cultures. It is marked with the celebration of the Quinceañera, or 15th Birthday. From a north-of-the-border viewpoint, it may be seen as a cross between Sweet Sixteen and a debutante's coming out party. The celebration is a way to acknowledge that a young woman has reached maturity. The most important component of the celebration is invariably a Misa de acción de gracias (thanksgiving Mass). The birthday girl arrives decked out in a fancy full-length dress - frills, pastel tones and matching hats or headdresses prevail. Flanked by her parents and padrinos (godparents), she is specially seated at the foot of the altar throughout the service. She may be accompanied by her damas (maids of honor) and chambelanes (chamberlains), selected from among close family and friends.  At the end of the mass younger sisters, cousins and friends pass out bolos (commemorative favors) to those in attendance, while the quinceañera deposits her bouquet on the altar in her honoring.  The quinceañera traditionally has the option of further celebrating the occasion with either a viaje (journey) or a fiesta (birthday bash). While a trip to Paris and other European destinations was once the rage among the well-heeled, nowadays young women of all social strata generally opt for the party, complete with live band music. The degree of opulence of the event is directly related to the economic means of the girl's parents and godparents.  It is frequently lease banquet halls for the dance; To cover the multiple expenses, a host of padrinos and madrinas may be invited to sponsor, respectively, the dress, the music, the locale, the bar, the cake and the table favors.   While raucous banda, cumbia and salsa tunes tend dominate throughout the event, the culminating moment comes when the festejada (celebrant) and her number-one chambelán (escort) dance to a traditional waltz. Other indispensable highlights include a customary toast and the cutting of a monumental multi-tiered birthday cake decorated in hues to match the quinceañera's dress.

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Sequence of Events

The Ceremony:  During the quinceañera religious celebration, the quinceañera is walked down the aisle accompanied by her parents and her godparents. The Quinceañera is presented to the center of the alter for the mass.

The Presentation of the Quinceañera: After the presentation of the court of honor, the quinceañera is finally introduced. A quinceañera may choose to walk in on the arm of her escort. A special song is also played for her entrance.

Crowing of the Quinceañera: The crowning of the quinceañera is traditionally done by the mother of the quinceañera. The headpiece worn by the Quinceañera is to be replaced with a quinceañera tiara or crown. A scepter can also be presented to the quinceañera at the same time.

Presentation of the Last Doll: The godparents or parents are called up to the center of the dance floor to present this very special doll. Most quinceañeras conserve this doll in their room as decoration for a long time. It also serves as a reminder of the wonderful and spectacular quinceañera celebration she had.

Changing of the Shoes: The shoes are changed either by the father or older brother of the Quinceañera.  After the shoes are changed, the Quinceañera is now ready to take the first dance of the evening as a young lady. This special tradition of changing the Quinceañera’s shoes to her zapatillas is another important part of the quinceañera celebration and other way to show that the Quinceañera is no longer a girl but a young woman.

The Quinceañera Waltz: The main highlight of the Quinceañera is the waltz or el vals. Months of practice are spent for this special dance prior to the day of the Quinceañera. In most cultures, the quinceañera first dances with her father during a special quinceañera song. The quinceañera can then dance with her honor escort and finally the quinceañera court of honor can join in.

The Cutting of the Cake: The cutting of the cake is performed and everyone is invited to taste the cake.

The Toast: The father usually leads the toast for the quinceañera. The toast can also be done by the master or mistress of ceremony, bandleader, or even the honor escort.

The Thank You: The parents of the Quinceañera give thanks to the quinceañera for turning out so beautifully and also thank God for bringing her to them. The parents of the quinceanera also give thanks to God for seeing her through every day up to her quinceañera. The quinceañera then gives thanks to her parents for everything they do as well as giving her the party. The quinceañera also gives thanks to the sponsors for their contributions and to the guest for coming.

Suggested Quinceañera Songs   Quinceañera Waltzes: Sleeping Beauty Waltz Cinderela Waltz Danubio Azul Tiempo de Vals – Chayenne Entrance Songs: Quinceañera – Thalia I’m Coming Out – Jennifer Lopez St. Elmos Fire (Instrumental) Beauty and the Beast –  Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson Beauty and the Beast (Instrumental) Father Daughter Quinceañera Songs: Es Mi Niña Bonita – Tomas De San Julian El Privilegio de Amar – Mijares y Lucero De Niña a Mujer – Julio Iglesias Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack My Girl – Temptations Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – Rod Stewart Blessed – Elton John Unforgettable – Natalie Cole Hero – Mariah Carey Father’s Eyes – Amy Grant God Must Have Spent a Little More Time On You – Backstreet Boys I Turn To You – Christina Aguilera Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle Lullabye – Billy Joel

We hope this quick explanation about Quinceañeras has help you. Please contact us we any concerts you may have; We'll try to help you and answer your questions with  our best availability and knowledge. Thank You Manolia Bridal Team. * First name (required): * Last name (required): * E-mail address (required): Phone number: * Message (required): I want to receive newsletters, updates, and special offers