Quincenera

by Candy Valadez
(San Antonio Tx USA)

In Latin America, maturing from girl to woman is a celebration. When a young lady turns 15 there is a big party to celebrate the blossoming of a girl into a woman.

First things first, the honoree and her family will say thanks to God. A mass is held for the honoree, everyone thanks God for allowing this girl to turn into a woman. The honoree is joined by 15 girls, one for each age 14-1, to represent the child hood she leaves behind. Everyone prays that he guide her through womanhood.

During the celebration, the honoree thanks the Virgin Mary, her second mother. The honoree takes her red roses as a sign of gratitude and thanks her for watching over her. Red roses are a strong symbolism in the catholic church with the Virgin Mary.

When mass is over, all the attendees attend a giant celebration. The honoree dances her first dance as a woman with her father. Everyone else takes turns dancing with the honoree. The night is filled with dance, food, fun and smiles. The father and mother will make a dedication to their daughter and a toast.

Everyone sings the honoree “Feliz Cumpleaños” and she cuts her cake. The cake is massive, almost of the magnitude of a wedding cake. It is beautiful and typically topped with the figure of a young woman. The honoree opens her birthday presents and thanks all her guest for joining her as she celebrates blossoming into a woman.