HISPANIC TRADITIONS

LA QUINCEAÑERA

Quinceañera

Quinceañera, what is it?

· it literally means “one who is fifteen”.

· it is the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America and elsewhere in communities of people from Latin America.

· This birthday is celebrated differently from any other birthday, as it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood.

· The celebration, however, varies significantly across countries, with celebrations in some countries taking on, for example, more religious overtones than in others

Quinceañera

How is it Celebrated?· The young lady is usually escorted by her father.

Quinceañera

How is it Celebrated?

· There is lots of dancing..

· There is usually a dance with her father or a chosen escort and dances then with all relatives, such as waltzes.

Quinceañera

How is it Celebrated?

· She is usually dressed in a formal dress or gown.

· Her dress should be the most beautiful dress at the party and none others should detract from hers.

Quinceañera

How is it Celebrated?

· She is sometimes awarded a tiara.

· The symbolism behind the tiara is to serve as a reminder that to her loved ones, especially her immediate family, the quinceañera will always be a princess.

· However, some also see it as denoting she is a "princess" before God and the world.

Quinceañera

Some additional traditions?Some families may choose to add ceremonial components to the celebration such as the ceremony of the Change of Shoes, in which a family member slips the quinceañera with her first pair of high heel shoes.

Quinceañera

Some additional traditions?

· “Ceremonia de la ultima muñeca" (literally "ceremony of the last doll"), during which her father presents her with a doll usually wearing a similar dress as the quinceañera herself..

Quinceañera

Some additional traditions?

· Once all symbolic gestures have taken place, the dinner is commenced. At this point, the celebration reaches its high point.· Contracted musical groups begin playing music, keeping the guests entertained. The music is played while the guests dine, chat, mingle, and dance.

Quinceañera

Some additional traditions?

· “15 Candles” the birthday girl delivers fifteen candles to people who she considers were most influential in her development.

· She often gives a speech dedicated to each of the people that are given candles.

· The 15 candles symbolize the 15 years the girl has "left behind". Each of the candles symbolizes a special memory, a moment shared with any person who is invited to join the ritual.

Quinceañera

Quinceanera Videos?

What does a Quincenera look like?

What is a quinceñera compared to in the United States?

Sweet 16

Quinceañera

Sources

Wikipedia

Google Images