Why Is Quinceanera Important

Words: 409
Pages: 2

Quinceanera
A Quinceanera is a celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday and her transition from childhood to adulthood, typically involving a mass followed by a party. A quinceanera is a religious and social event that emphasizes the importance of family and society in the life of a young woman. Quinceaneras are celebrated in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as in Latino communities in the United States. A Quinceanera begins with a mass, which is a celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church, attended by a girl and her godparents. The Mass is followed by a reception. Friends and relatives are invited. The reception features food, music, and dancing with the girl accompanied by her maids of honor and chamberlains. The maids of honor are usually her closest friends and her family or whoever she
…show more content…
At the ceremony at the church, a kneeling pillowing is positioned for the young woman to kneel on during the ceremony. The dance portion of the quinceanera includes a choreographed waltz-type dance that is prepared and is considered of the main events of the evening. In a quinceanera, toasts are often offered. The toast is called the brindis. The cutting of the cake is also involved. In the old days, the quinceanera meant marriage. The modern celebration just signals formal dating. Some girls choose just to take a trip instead of having a party. Other girls choose not to celebrate their fifteenth birthday in the traditional manner. The quinceanera usually wears a ballgown with her court dressed in gowns and tuxedos. The items people usually have at a quinceanera are a tiara, cross or medal, a bible, a screpter, a flower bouquet, cake decoration, maybe a cake server set, champagne glasses, the last doll, a guest book, a photo album, invitations, maybe a ceremony pillow, and guest favors. The crowning usually is done by the parents or godparents. After all this occurs, the young girl is no longer seen as a child,