Hello Bearhovland,
Thank you for your question.
The Quinceañera is the celebration of a girls 15th birthday.
Quince in Spanish is the number fifteen.
Here are a few links and excerpts that describe what a quinceañera
celebration is.
History of the Quinceañera
“In Mexico, the fifth birthday celebration for girls is unique. This
is the most awaited birthay because it is a Quinceañera. The word
quinceañera comes from the Spanish words quince for fifteen, and años
which is years. The fifteenth birthday celebrant begins her journey
into adulthood. In some more traditional families in Mexico, the girl
is serenaded by a mariachi band in front of her house the night before
her 15th birthday. The next day, the girl has a party at her house,
guests visit her and dance. Males take turns dancing with the girl and
as customary, the first dance is a waltz danced with her father.”
Source: Regents of the University of California Website
http://clnet.ucr.edu/research/folklore/quinceaneras/aqlitrep.htm
Quinceañera: Latino Sweet Sixteen by Elizabeth Holland
“In Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico and other Latin American countries a
girl's entrance into womanhood and her eligibility for marriage is
celebrated at her Quinceanera (also known as the Quince, or Quince
Anos). Traditionally celebrated on a girl's fifteenth birthday, it is
often celebrated in the United States as a Sweet Sixteen party.”
This celebration is very elaborated.
“The Quinceanera is celebrated as elaborately as some weddings. Gowns
and rented formal wear, limousines, photo sessions, catered dinners,
dance parties, and arranged flowers mark the occasion as a special day
that occurs once in a girl's life.”
Source: Balch Institute
http://www.balchinstitute.org/museum/rites/latino.html
Here are some pictures and a description of a Quinceañera.
http://caribou.cc.trincoll.edu/~aperez/quince.htm
Search Criteria:
Quinceañera
I hope you find this helpful and if there is anything that I've
written that needs clarification, please ask before you rate this
answer.
Best Regards,
Bobbie7-ga |
