Quinceañera as a Rite of Passage

History [click to jump to helpful planning tips]
In the Latin community, the Quinceañera is a significant celebration due to its history of almost instant "conversion" from childhood to womanhood in the eyes of society. Traditionally following the ceremony for the Quinceañera, a young woman was eligible for more responsibilities such as work, volunteerism or marriage.
The word "Quinceañera" comes from the Spanish words "quince" for fifteen and "años", which means "years". Although every culture has certain rites of passage, the Hispanic community especially values the Quinceañera celebration because traditionally it represented her commitment to the church as well as her segue into adulthood.
Some believe that the tradition of the Quinceañera dates back to the Aztec period when women were brought up exclusively for bearing children and obeying their husband. They were taught such skills for survival and maintaining a home as cooking, weaving and housework. Most of these girls married by the age of 15 or 16 and were considered the society experts in domestic endeavors. Those girls belonging to wealthy families were sent to a temple or school to be trained as priestesses prior to marriage.

When the Spanish conquered the Aztecs in 1521 and both native and catholic traditions came together, the age of 15 became a time of decision for young women. By this time, the Spanish has imposed their religion on the Aztecs and destroyed the Aztec religion and lifestyle. The young Quinceañera was required to make a choice: to devote her life to the church or to marry.

The blending of the Aztec and Spanish cultures - the knowledge of how to dance and play music were vital skills to the Spanish - quinceñera locationand this essence of musical celebration and spirit has continued into today's time-honored Hispanic Quinceañera celebration. Although today's Quinceañera celebration is still partially religious, it is still seen as a symbolic step of her passage from girlhood into the responsibilities of young adulthood and is always a festive occasion.
In some more traditional families in Mexico, the girl is serenaded by a mariachi band in front of her house the night before her 15th Birthday, followed by a party at her house the next day where guests come celebrate, dance and eat.
There are many ways to celebrate a Quinceañera. No matter what the style preference is, the celebration generally includes almost all of the following common aspects: a religious ceremony of some sort, a beautiful dress for the Quinceañera, a court of young gentlemen to escort her, a large party - formal or informal - lots of family, friends, food, dancing and always a first waltz with her father.

    Helpful Planning Tips
     One to Two Years In Advance:
  • Set the date Book the event site (i.e. church, banquet facility, etc.)
  • Book the priest/minister (if applicable)
  • Determine your budget
  • Choose a theme/colors (this can be anything from a flower, a recent movie release or based on a hobby of the honoree)
  • If financial resources allow it, hire an event coordinator who specializes in Quinceañeras.
  • Book the church – don’t forget to book a rehearsal so you, your court and family can have a walk-through before the big day.
  • Assemble a preliminary guest list.
  • Decide on Sponsors – who is paying for what
  • Book reception site (for a variety of event location options, click here)
  • Book caterer, if reception location does not offer on site catering.
  • Book entertainment for the party: DJ, band and / or mariachis.
  • Book transportation for the Quinceañera, her court of honor and family from church to reception
  • Book photographer and/or videographer (be sure and check with the church on their policy about filming in the church)
  • Research bakers and select cake for reception

    Nine Months In Advance
  • Begin Planning Ceremony
  • Begin Planning Reception
  • Announce your Quinceañera in the local newspaper
  • Order invitations
  • If you are having your dress made, line up a dressmaker
  • Hire a choreographer or dance instructor to help you with your waltz during the reception
  • Decide if you want a full or half Court of Honor and choose the members
  • Decide on rental equipment needed (if applicable) to reception: tent, chairs, tables, linens, dance floor, staging, etc.
  • Choose attire of Court of Honor
  • Choose your Honor Escort
  • Purchase party favors
  • Meet with Priest or Minister to discuss the ceremony and your preferences.

    6-8 Weeks Before the Event:
  • Mail the invitations
  • Make up a song list for the DJ/band
  • Order flowers and decorations.
  • Make hair stylist and manicure appointments.

    1 Month Before the Event:
  • Have final fittings done for clothing.

    2-3 Weeks Before the Event:
  • Send final instructions to DJ, photographer/videographer.

    1 Week Before the Event:
  • Meet with caterer for final guest count.
  • Confirm all arrangements.

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    1 Week After the Event:
  • Send thank you notes.

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