All across Latin America, few things are as exciting to young girls as their Quinceanera.
The quince is a traditional coming-of-age celebration for girls on their 15th birthday. It is a social and religious event that emphasizes the importance of family, faith, friends and society in everyone's life. The history of this event goes back to the days of the Aztecs and it is believed to be a combination of ancient and Spanish traditions.
The festivities usually begin with a mass at church for the Quinceanera, her family and her padrinos, of godparents. After that is when the fun begins. A party with food, dancing and music comes next. The quince will often have a choreographed dance, like a waltz, that is the highlight of the party. Some of these dances, taught to the quince's damas ("maids of honour") and chambelanes ("chamberlains"), involve lights, costumes and special music. Various other traditions such as gifting a doll to her younger sister, wearing heels and a fancy cake are all part of ways to celebrate the quinceanera. If you get invited to a quinceanera, expect to eat well, dance a lot and have a great time at this once-in-a-lifetime event for young ladies.
