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The Quinceañera is a time honored tradtion in Latin American culture. The Quinceañera represents a coming of age of a young woman and it is a ceremony that is held on a girl's fifteenth birthday. The term Quinceaños refers to the 15th birthday of the celebrant, and the term Quinceañera refers to the celebrant herself. Like many other coming-of-age ceremonies, the Quinceaños is associated with the Quinceañera "becoming a lady".
The celebration carries religious significance for Spanish-speaking Roman Catholics. The celebration begins with a religious ceremony in which the Quinceañera affirms her faith. It is customary for the Quinceañera to receive gifts that are religious in nature, such as a cross or medal, a Bible, rosary, or scepter, and these gifts are often a part of the ceremony.
A Quinceañera with her court
 After the conclusion of the Roman Catholic religious ceremony is usually where we step in. We are honored to be a part of such a wonderful day such as this and we can provide everything you will need to make this day one that your daughter will remember for the rest of her life. usually the decor of the Quinceañera often resembles that of a wedding. The Quinceañera's court is typically comprised of her padrinos (godparents) and a Chambelan, a young man who is her companion and date for the evening. The Chambelan typically has the first dance with the Quinceañera, a traditional ballroom waltz called a "Waltz". The Chambelan initiates the Vals by requesting a dance with the Quinceañera to a classical song, followed by dances with her requested by her father or another close male relative such as an uncle or older brother, and then her godfather. Following these initial presentation dances, the guests join the dance floor as well. Some Latino cultures have the girl's first dance begin with her father as her partner, and then he is cut in on by her escort. Godparents play a significant role in the preparations for the Quinceaños, often handling arrangements for the party, church and celebration. The event is the culmination of their responsibility in the church to oversee the religious upbringing of their goddaughter. |
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