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Today's ceremonies
embrace religious
traditions, and the
virtues of family
and social
responsibility. The
custom is a
celebration of the
young girl (la
Quinceanera), and a
recognition of her
journey from
childhood to
maturity. The
celebration
highlights God,
family, friends,
music, food, and
dance.
In the Mexican,
Puerto Rican, Cuban,
Central and South
American traditions,
the custom can be
referred to as a
Quince (XV) Años, a
Quinces, a
Quinceanera, a
Quinceanero or a
Fiesta Rosa. The
celebration
traditionally begins
with a religious
ceremony. A
reception is held in
the home or a
banquet hall. The
festivities include
food and music, and
in most, a
choreographed waltz
or dance performed
by the Quinceanera
and her court.
The Quinceanera's
court can be
comprised of young
girls (called a
Dama), young men (called
Chambelán or Escorte
or Galán) or a
combination of both
- traditionally up
to 14 persons in the
court, which with
the Quinceanera,
would total 15 young
people.
The Quinceanera
traditionally wears
a ball gown, with
her court usually
dressed in gowns and
tuxedos. Guests
usually receive
small tokens, cápias
and cerámicas, to
commemorate the
celebration.
It is customary for
the Quinceanera to
receive the
following gifts for
her ceremony:
-
tiara
-
bracelet or ring
-
earrings
-
cross or medal
or necklace
-
Bible or Prayer
Book and Rosary
Other accessories
for this special
occasion might be:
-
flower bouquet
-
cake decoration
-
engraved cake
server set
-
engraved
champagne
glasses
-
Quinceanera doll
-
scepter
-
guest registry
book
-
remembrance
photo album
-
invitations/reception
cards
-
kneeling pillow
There are many
traditions
throughout the
celebration. At
the church ceremony,
a quinceañera pillow
specially decorated
with the
Quinceanera's name,
is placed in
position for the
young girl to kneel
on during the
ceremony. Smaller
decorated pillows
are also used for
the presentation of
the Quinceanera's
gifts. At the
reception, there is
always the toast to
the Quinceanera,
known as the
brindis. With
specially decorated
champagne glasses
for the Quinceanera,
the guests are
invited to offer
their
congratulations and
best wishes. The
quinceañera doll,
symbolizing the
perfection of the
event and the
Quinceanera, is used
as both a decoration
and a keepsake. In
some customs, the
cápias (printed
ribbons with the
Quinceanera's name
and date) are pinned
to the doll, and the
Quinceanera
circulates among her
guests, thanking
them for their
presence and
presenting them with
a memento taken from
the doll.
The Quince Años is a
glorious celebration
that remains a
cherished and
honored tradition. |
