The Quince What?
You may have overheard some friends talking about their daughters' Quinceanera parties and - if your background is not Latino - you may well be wondering what this celebration is all about. Here's a bit of information about this fun fiesta!
The Quince años ceremony came into the Spanish culture some 200 years ago. In Mexico, this period of the century was called Porfiriato, which is comparable to the Victorian era in English speaking countries. The Mexican president back then was Porfirio Diaz and he brought this celebration to Mexican culture due to his own personal admiration of French culture and couture.
The meaning of the ceremony has changed over time and in recent years the celebration is becoming more popular in the United States than it actually is back in Latin America. Quince años as it is celebrated in the United States is a great ceremony that has become a means of preserving the Latino culture even as Latinos become more and more Americanized.
The celebration carries religious significance too - it begins with a religious ceremony in which the Quinceañera affirms her Catholic faith. It is custom for the Quinceañera to receive gifts that are religious in nature, such as a cross, rosary, a Bible or sceptre. The presentation of these gifts by her Padrinos (Godparents) and/or her family members, along with their blessing by the priest, often forms a part of the ceremony.
The Quinceañera carries a doll to the party (representing the last doll of her childhood) and this is to represent her childhood. The doll is usually dressed like the girl. The girl's father exchanges her flat shoes for heels after their dance together. During the exchange of shoes, the father asks the Quinceañera girl/woman to give up her doll, symbolizing the Quinceañera girl giving up her childhood to become a woman.
The Quinceaneras also wear Cinderella style dresses that are usually in bright colours - they are quite different from the usual prom-style dress. To see a few examples of these stunning gowns go to the Quinceanera Dresses site which is a great Quinceanera gowns website that features many dresses.
After the religious ceremony, a reception is held either in the Quinceañera's home or in a banquet hall. The decor of the reception often resembles a wedding venue. The Quinceañera's court is typically composed of her Godparents and the Chambelan, a young man who is her companion and date for the evening. The Chambelan typically has the first dance with the Quinceañera, a traditional ballroom waltz.
The Chambelan initiates the waltz by asking for a dance - to classical music - with the Quinceañera. This is followed by dances with her father, and then her godfather. Following these initial presentation dances, the guests join the dance floor as well. The godparents play a significant role in preparing for the Quinceaños fiesta, often handling arrangements for the party, church and celebration.
The event is the culmination of the godparents' responsibility to oversee the religious upbringing of their goddaughter. Otherwise, it is tradition for the Quinceanera's parents to arrange the celebration.
So, next time someone mentions a Quinceanera party - you'll know exactly what they're talking about!
Godparents signing catechumens during Mass on 15 Oct 2011
