Quinceañeras

Quinceañeras are an old tradition for Latin American countries and Puerto Rico, but only became popular in the United States in the 1930s. This tradition is thought to have originated when the Spanish colonized the Americas and the indigenous people. Historians believe that quinceañeras evolved from other Mayan and Aztec rite-of-passage rituals and that missionaries accepted and merged with the indigenous practice. This is because the indigenous practices were similar to Christian rituals like initiation to the church and marriage. Originally, indigenous coming of age rituals were practiced for males and females, but later evolved into a female focused event based on womanhood.

Modern Quinceañeras are most often very important events for the families of the 15 year old female. Parents and godparents will typically attend the beginning mass with the daughter. At this mass, the girl will make a commitment to live out the rest of her life under the teachings of Christ and will end with a blessing. After the quinceañera is presented to the rest of her family/community, they will celebrate with food, gifts, music, and dancing at a party-style event. "Usually at the reception, there are family portraits that are taken." (Cantu, 2006)

Because this tradition is very widespread across the Americas, it can differ from country to country. This can include the order of specific activities at the fiesta like the greetings, dances, toasts, and eating times. For example, typical Mexican quinceañeras will toast and eat before the dances, while South American countries like Argentina and Peru will toast and eat in between the various dances. Most quinceañeras are very similar when it comes to the practices that make up the whole event.

Transitioning a woman is a huge step for a female in Latin American cultures and symbolizes many aspects of growing up. Some things that change for the girl, now a woman, include making adult decisions, wearing make-up and jewelry, attending adult events/parties, and beginning to formally date a significant other. Many years ago, the quinceañera signified that the girl is now ready for marriage, but societies around the world have changed and may view 15 as too young for marriage. It has transitioned from a woman looking for a husband into a woman putting herself into society.

Quinceañeras are seen as special events that are “carried on as a link to cultural heritage.” (Odekirk, 2019) It is a milestone in a woman’s life that helps bring families and communities together and has done so for hundreds of years. Women in these Latino communities across North and South America are given a new sense of identity and the practice helps them transition into a different style of life with more responsibilities. Growing up is a hard process and this tradition is beneficial to ease many Latina girls into adulthood.