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In this article, Alexius talks about the cultural appropriation with Quinceañeras and their changes in the present day.
ARe Quinceañeras getting out of touch of its origins?
ARe Quinceañeras getting out of touch of its origins?
By Alexius Nyna Burnett
By Alexius Nyna Burnett
Quinceañeras are one of the most beautiful traditions that a young woman can go through when she turns fifteen in Latino communities such as Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbeans. The origins are from the Spanish colonists with their indigenous rites, such as Christianity or Catholicism, depending on religion. Quinceañeras have been passed down from generation to generation, with celebrations that are meaningful and precise for a girl and her family. However, throughout the years, Quinceañeras have gotten much more contemporary. There have been many opinions about the new, modern Quinceañeras in this day and time. Furthermore, I fear that Quinceanernas are getting way out of line.
Quinceañeras celebrate a young girl's transition from girlhood to womanhood. Luz, who runs an organization that helps spread the truth of the Latina narrative, claims how this is when they become ready for being a wife, motherhood, growing responsibilities, and being prepared for their future roles in life. The source also claims that the tradition is religious and spiritual, like with mass/blessings, and traditional, like with the last doll, changing of the shoe, court of honor, first dance, reception, and many more rituals. This is an emotional event that happens for the Quince and her family. As Annie Nuño, a wedding and event planner at Soiree Co. states, “The beautiful thing about a Quinceañera is you get to see the heritage.” She also declares, “Depending on your background, your traditions are different. Therefore, your celebration will differ from one Quinceañera to the next.” This is true. The majority of Quinces do the same traditions and celebration. They are not all exactly the same. Annie Nuño also claims how a Quinceañera is like a fairytale for parents to unwrap about their daughter leaving her childhood and growing up. This can be emotional, and the celebration is super important for families.
Photo Credit: DOC NYC
Quinceañeras are known to be beautiful, mindful, and hold a lot of respect for everyone. Usually, they are fun and touching. Of course, the party after the ceremonies and spiritual traditions are entertaining. So many girls add their own special touch with, for example, the surprise dance, decoration, or theme, but is there a line to not overstep boundaries? Yes. One baile sorpresa that was posted on Tik Tok that went viral all over the internet. It was posted by a choreographer company called Eventoreyswflorida. The Quince, Tati, and her damas wore revealing outfits that were very short. The dance started out nice and “normal”, but then switched up fast and began dancing super inappropriately. Many people on the internet saw that video and thought it was disrespectful and disgusting. They asked how a parent and choreographer could let that happen, and why would they think that was okay to do in front of all the friends, family, and (especially) to post online. There was also another Quince that had about the same experience. Red Quince dress girl, a.k.a. Vanessa, had worn a similar outfit as the previously mentioned Quince, and had also done an inappropriate baile sorpresa. Many in the public are outraged by these new Quinceañeras and their dances and outfits. On the other hand, some people (mainly young teen girls) find this dance acceptable and they love it. Some claim that it “ate and devoured”, meaning that the Quince did amazing. There were a lot of mixed emotions. Some Quinceañeras got inspired, but some did not. It was a controversial topic.
Quinceañeras really are becoming untraditional. Veronica Jimez, a Hispanic 50 year old resident of Grants Pass, talked about how Quinceañeras used to be back in the day when "there were no inappropriate dances and they used to be about tradition.” She also claimed that, in the modern day, it seems to her that Quinces do not care too much for the father and daughter dance. She barely sees girls do that dance, but instead dance “improper”, wanting all of the attention and not caring about the meaning of a Quinceañera.
Brandon Cardennas, a former freshman at Grant Pass High School, still sees the value of a Quinceañera. His sister had a Quinceañera not too long ago. He reflected that it is an religious, social event, emphasizing the momentousness of the daughter's birthday to a family. He thinks it is traditional because of the transition to womanhood, the religious ceremonies, family values with loved ones being together and having the father-daughter dance. He believes that it all represents maturity.
While it is clear that Quinceañeras have obviously evolved over time regarding how they are being celebrated, it is still important to remember what they once were-- with rich and emotional traditions and religious values-- and to always know the significance a Quince holds. We must balance the new, modern influences with the base, letting the culture grow, but not be forgotten. Regardless, Quinceañeras are way out of touch with their origins.
Sources:
Sources:
Interview with Brandon Cardenas
Interview with Veronica Jimenez
https://www.partyslate.com/best-of/quinceanera-traditions-honor-family-culture
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