Quinceanera in Tijuana, Mexico

by Elizabeth
(Los Angeles, CA)

Money was tight during my second year in high school. So imagine my happiness when my padrinos (godparents) helped pay for the party invitations, table and chair rentals, limo, and cake. I was to have a huge, traditional quinceañera party in Mexico for my fifteenth birthday.

My grandmother and aunt helped make my dress, and I just cried when I put it on. It was a dream come true!

The celebration started with morning mass at church, where many friends and relatives attended. We took professional pictures in my grandfather's backyard in Tijuana, Mexico. The roses in his backyard made my pictures look elegant! I really felt like I was transforming into a woman.

I had a fancy limo ride with my immediate family to the hall. And I felt so loved when I walked into the huge hall and saw all of my favorite flowers as centerpieces!

Roast beef, Spanish style rice, beans and corn tortillas were served at dinner. My family raised their glasses to toast in my honor before I had my baile (dance).

The dance is one of my favorite traditions, and all eyes were on me as I did the waltz. My white dress and crown made me look like a princess as I glided on the dance floor. Later, we also had a modern dance in the evening, where my friends and I danced to Michael Jackon's "Thriller," and the guests went wild!

My quinceañera was one of the best days ever! It wouldn't have been possible without the support and love of my entire family.