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Quinceanera: Hispanic Tradition Still Important for Diman Student

Lydia Rivera '10

The symbolic passage from adolescent to womanhood is expressed in a religious ceremony for Hispanic girls called quinceanera or "sweet fifteen" celebration. This celebration takes place when they turn fifteen years old. Over the years the meaning of a "sweet fifteen" has changed drastically. Nowadays Hispanic girls would rather have a "sweet sixteen" party than a traditional "quinceanera."

There have been "sweet fifteens" dated back to the early 1800s'. The meaning of a quinceanera back then meant that the 15-year-old was ready to get married. The party began as a way for suitors around that area who wanted to dance with the girl to have a chance to meet her and express their interest. The majority of girls having quinceanera at that time were only from wealthy families.

Now it is very rare to find girls having a quinceanera. First, the girl must be pure or a virgin to celebrate this ritual, because she has to pray before God. She must also decide how many damas (girls) and cabellers (guys) to have in her Court of Honor. She also must choose her chambelen (partner). These people represent each year of her childhood. A girl also needs a white wedding gown, slippers, high heels, a crown, a scepter or flowers, a Bible, a church for the ceremony, a club for the reception, people to make food, a DJ, and a limousine.

Here's what happens: on that special day the young lady must attend mass before God and have his blessing for being pure. Her mother will take the flower crown from her head and replace it with a diamond crown. Her mother will also take the flowers from her hands and replace them with a scepter. The young woman then will leave with her partner and father to the limo to go anywhere the Court decides to go. Later, she will arrive at the club and dance the waltz first with her partner, then with her father. At some quinceanera the girl would have a second outfit and a second dance.

Some people might think planning a quinceanera is complicated and too much money. It is, but it is all worth it to carry on this very unique Hispanic tradition. I had the best time of my life the day of my quinceanera, and wouldn't have changed it for the world.