La quinceañera

©2009 Teacher’s Discovery

What is it?The word quinceañera

comes from two Spanish words:quince meaning fifteen

and años meaning years.

©2009 Teacher’s Discovery

English-Speaking Equivalents

Sweet Sixteen (16) Bar or Bat Mitzvah

(13) Cotillion Debutante Ball (18)

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A Celebration

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History Sweet fifteen The Mayans Spanish conquistadors Ceremonies

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Today Religious tradition in

Mexico and Latin America A time to reflect on

childhood blessings Welcomes the

approaching challenges of adulthood

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Latin America

MexicoCubaPuerto RicoLatin America

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What is the purpose of the celebration?

Beginning of womanhood

New responsibilitiesFaith, good moralsDevotion to community

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Coordination Family and friends’

effort Padrinos – godparents

Madrina – godmotherPadrino – godfather

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Los padrinos

Godparents

Support

Advice

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The Location Church - Mass Church hall Banquet hall

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The Dress The

quinceañera arrives in a fancy full-length dress.

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The Court 7 damas 7 chambelanes 7 + 7 +

1 quinceañera = 15

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Attire for the Court

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The Preparation Arranged according to height Rehearsals Dance routines Waltz – vals in Spanish

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Religion Classes

Relationship with God

Accepted in the Church as an adult

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The Mass Misa de acción de

gracias Reaffirms values and

beliefs Parish recognizes the

young woman as an adult in the eyes of the parish

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Faith

Baptismal vows Mass of thanksgiving

to patron saint Celebrated on Saturday

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The Blessing The blessing El cojín –

kneeling pillow Flowers – La Biblia

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The Gifts The quinceañera

receives: A tiara A scepter A ring Earrings A medal A Bible

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The Tiara – La diadema Princess Triumph over

childhood Faces challenges

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The Scepter – El cetro

Authority and responsibility

Given during introduction

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The Ring - El anillo

Never-ending circle of life

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The Earrings - Los aretes

Listen to the word of God

Hear and respond to the world

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The Medal – La medalla

Signifies faith in God, in herself, and in the world

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The Bible – La Biblia

The Bible represents important resources to keep the word of God in her life.

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The Flowers – Las floresThe Bouquet – El ramo

Represents new commitment

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After the Mass The

recessional Photos Time to eat

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The Grand Entrance

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The little details!

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Master of Ceremonies

CourtGodparentsParentsQuinceañera

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The Last Doll – La última muñeca

Last doll Symbolizes the end of childhood

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The heeled shoes –Los zapatos de tacón

Los zapatos de tacón means high-heeled shoes

First pair of heels Step out into world as a woman

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The Waltz – El vals

After the changing of the shoes, the quinceañera dances a special Waltz.

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Choreography

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The Cake – El pastel

As part of the celebration, there is an elaborately decorated cake.

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The Memento - Los recuerdos

A memento or small gift

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Cultural Differences

There are some cultural differences in the celebration of the quinceañera’s birthday throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

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Puerto Rico

Religious ceremony

Peacock chair covered with flowers

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Cuba

Wealthy Lower-

income

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Dominican Republic

Formal dress Choreographe

d dances

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El Salvador

Fiesta Rosa Three steps to the

ceremony

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Honduras

Similar to a wedding

White or pink dress

Mass Party

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Perú

No church ceremony

Velitas and rosas Vals Party begins

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Quinceañera – Modern Takes on

Tradition

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Color,Color and More Color!

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Costume Changes

Quinceañera dresses are changing: Tighter-fitting Colorful Wardrobe change

between church and reception

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Bigger Is Better

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Dance Revolution

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Princess for a NightIn the end, regardless ofthe country or location ofthe event, quinceañera is the girl turning fifteen — and

in the eyes of the Spanish-

speakingcommunity ࡧ— becoming awoman. It is about her

celebration and for one night,

she is the princess.

©2009 Teacher’s Discovery

©2009 Teacher’s Discovery

Produced & Written by: Suzanne Rutkowski

Project Manager: Tina Groleau

Technical Support: Joseph Kohler

Special Thanks for use of photos and video:

Chihuahua State Department of Tourism

Robert Pineda Quinceañera Dreams

Choreography Los Angeles, CA