What is the meaning behind a quinceanera?

What is the meaning behind a quinceanera?

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 the main purpose of a quinceanera?

Widely celebrated among Latinos, the quinceañera marks an important milestone in a girl’s life. Part birthday party, part rite of passage, it symbolizes a girl’s entrance into womanhood when turning 15, traditionally showcasing her purity and readiness for marriage.

Do you have to be Mexican to have a quinceanera?

The celebration of a quinceañera party is a strong tradition for the majority of Mexicans, especially among families of rural and low-socioeconomic origins; but it is common for girls of middle- and upper-socioeconomic class to dismiss the tradition as naca (“tacky”).

Can I have a quinceanera at 16?

Obviously, the biggest one is age – a quinceanera is a celebration for a girl who is turning 15, while a sweet 16 party is simply a huge birthday bash for a young lady turning 16. Each type of party is extravagant, memorable and elaborate, but both definitely have a diverse set of differences you should be aware of.

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.

Who does the quinceanera dance with?

In most cultures, the quinceanera first dances with her father during a special quinceanera song. The quinceanera can then dance with her honor escort and finally the quinceanera court of honor can join in.

Can you still have a quinceanera if you’re not a virgin?

Anyone can have a Quinceanera, but it’s more common among Latino families. In a mixed marriage where one parent is Latino and the other is not, having a Quince usually depends on the traditions of the Latino parent’s family. Some girls from a mixed family compromise and have a fancy “Sweet 15” party instead.

What does a white girl wear to a quinceanera?

As a result, some parallels between these two significant occasions exist. Traditionally, the young woman celebrating her quinceanera wore a white ballgown, similar to a wedding dress. While the formality of the occasion has not changed, today’s 15-year-olds now choose ballgowns in many colors.

What do people eat at a Quinceanera?

Traditional Quinceanera Foods and Menus. The Quinceanera often consists of traditional Latin American foods like tacos, corn wrapped tamales, enchiladas, and some of the following specialty meat dishes: Picadillo – This delicious dish is a combination of onion, peppers, ground beef, and tomato.

What are Quinceanera customs?

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. Interestingly, many families today are merging their Hispanic and American heritages by choosing to celebrate a Sweet Sixteen .

How do you spell Quinceanera?

In Spanish, and in Latin countries, the term quinceañera is reserved solely for the honoree; in English, primarily in the United States, the term is used to refer to the celebrations and honors surrounding the occasion.

How does a Quinceanera dress?

Quinceanera guests typically wear formal attire. Outfits that are suitable for a wedding also work well at this occasion. Men should wear dark suits paired with button-down white shirts, conservative ties and leather shoes. Women can wear floor-length evening gowns or cocktail dresses.