What is the meaning behind a Quinceañera?

quinceañera, (Spanish: “15 years [feminine form]”) also called quinceaños or quince años or simply quince, the celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday, marking her passage from girlhood to womanhood; the term is also used for the celebrant herself.

What is a Quinceañera for a boy?

The Quince Años for a boy follows the same traditional reasoning as a modern Quinceañera; to present the child to God, in front of their family and friends, and celebrate their life. For some, it is a time to re-commit to their religion. Most importantly, it marks the boy’s journey into adulthood.

Do you have to be 15 to have a Quinceañera?

Otherwise known as quince anos or quinces, is a valued tradition that celebrates a young girls new milestone into adult hood. Unlike the American “Sweet 16” celebration, Quinceaneras are celebrations for when a young woman turns 15 years old.

How does a Quinceañera work?

A Quinceañera is the Hispanic tradition of celebrating a young girl’s coming of age – her 15th birthday. The Quinceanera tradition celebrates the young girl (la Quinceanera), and recognizes her journey from childhood to maturity. The customs highlight God, family, friends, music, food, and dance.

Who are the Chambelanes?

Traditionally made up of 14 girls—damas—and 14 boys—chambelanes—these young people are usually the Quinceanera’s friends or family and will perform a waltz during the celebration. More modern celebrations don’t require as many damas and chambelanes, so there can be as few as 7 boys and 7 girls.

Is quinceanera Catholic?

Unlike a baptism or confirmation, a Quinceanera mass is not a Catholic sacrament. However, it is a significant cultural ritual within the Hispanic community that solidifies the girl’s commitment to her faith.

What can you not do at a quinceanera?

4 Things You Shouldn’t Do At Your Quinceanera Party

• Don’t arrive late to your party. Try to be as precise as you can.
• Don’t get angry. Your quinceanera is a once in a lifetime event.
• Don’t forget to organize.
• Not having the important things you will need.

How long does a quinceañera last?

A typical celebration may last up to 6 hours—from the beginning of the Mass to the end of the party—during which the guests can enjoy food, games, and dancing to contemporary music or a performance by a live band.

Why are quinceañera dresses so big?

The quinceanera dress plays a huge part of this coming-of-age celebration. The dresses are typically extravagant and huge, which signifies the transition into adulthood. Most dresses are ball gown dresses, and traditionally they are white. The reason for this is it symbolizes purity.

What does a white girl wear to a quinceañera?

Do Not Match The Birthday Girl Do not wear the same color as the birthday girl since this can be seen as disrespectful. For example, wearing white to a Quinceañera is almost always frowned upon since the birthday girl and her family will wear shades of white throughout the entire evening – including their dresses!

What is the real meaning an a Quincenera?

Quinceañera gowns represent femininity. Quinceañera rings represent a girl’s bond to God, family and her community. Quinceañera crowns and tiaras represent her superior morality. Quinceañera cross necklaces emphasize a girl’s devotion to the Catholic Church and virginity.

What is a Quinceanera and why is it important?

Feliz Cumpleanos. The quinceanera itself is so important because it symbolizes a transition into maturity. The namesake girl is officially recognized as a woman, or at least well on the path to womanhood, and is ready to play a more active role in her own life and the lives of her family.

What are the steps in a Quinceanera?

Find a Celebration Space. A time-honored and original Quinceanera tradition is to have the Quinceanera and her court and family, followed by her guests, to walk in procession from the Church to the reception place led by a mariachi band. If you either have a hall around the corner from the church or can have the party in the church itself,…

What are some traditions of a Quinceanera?

There are many traditions throughout the quinceanera celebration. One of the most popular is the Changing of the Shoes. The father or favored male relative ceremoniously changes the young girl’s flat shoes to high heels. This is a beautiful symbol of the Quinceanera’s transformation from a little girl to a young lady.