Quinceanera: A Cherished Coming of Age Celebration!

A Quinceañera [kin-se-ah-nye-rah] or “Quince” is a coming of age celebration for a young woman in many Latino cultures and marks a young girl's 15th birthday. It is considered the transition from childhood to adulthood. Usually, it is a religious ceremony celebrated in the Catholic religion. While the planning for it can be stressful, one thing for sure is that this day is meant to be very special for the girl celebrating and her family!

In a Quinceañera, the birthday girl wears a beautiful dress and often has a court. A court is a group of people she may choose to accompany her in the celebration. The court is typically made up of damas (girls) and chambelanes (boys). Each Quince is unique in its own ways, whether it be at a fancy hall or a backyard. The Quinceñera also selects her godparents, commonly referred to as nina and nino. The girl who is having her quince also must have already been baptized Catholic, completed her first communion, and she also must be prepared for confirmation to have her Quince (if you are going to do it through the church).

A Quinceañera is something to be cherished, especially considering all the time, effort, and money put into the event. As someone who is celebrating her Quince very soon, I'm really excited and have been looking forward to this moment my whole life. Every Quince is special and the Quinceañera is even more special. All eyes are on her beautiful ball gown-like dress. There may even be flashing cameras present, making it feel like you are walking on a red carpet at a Hollywood movie premiere! If all young girls of the Catholic faith have the means to have a Quince it’s something they should consider. Traditionally, one’s parents get to present you when you make your grand entrance and you get to dance the waltz with your court and your family (if you want to, of course). Overall, it's just a really special event that you and your family will cherish forever.

A Quinceañera is much more than just a party; it is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of culture, family, and personal growth. It honors tradition, faith, and the important step a young girl takes into womanhood. Whether simple or extravagant, what truly matters is the love and support that surround the whole Quinceañera on a young girl’s special day. 

When my moment comes, it will be a memory I will carry with me forever.