The transition from childhood to womanhood is an important event in almost any culture.
Hispanics, however, mark this memorable occasion with the celebration of a Quinceanera or
Sweet 15. The Quinceanera tradition is believed to have started many years ago when the
Spanish conquerors brought the tradition to Mexico and others say the tradition originated with
the Aztecs. Regardless, a Quinceanera celebration is a Hispanic tradition associated with
Mexican, central and South American cultures. Through the different ceremonies that take place
today, the young Quinceanera is formally introduced to society and it is a day to give thanks for
having reached this age.

The coordination of the entire Quinceanera event is a teamwork effort of family, friends and
relatives. Very strong family ties come into play. It is customary that all these family, friends and
relatives will volunteer to be padrinos or sponsors. Each sponsor takes financial and/or moral
responsibility over what they have been assigned including the cake, invitations, doll, bible,
rosary, etc.

It is customary that the Quinceanera will wear a ball gown usually with a petticoat or crinolina
underneath to make the dress look extra puffy, and a crown or tiara along with her gloves. In the
United States the dress is most commonly of white color, while in other countries such as Mexico
it is very common to see the Quinceanera wear a pastel color dress or even red, royal blue, or
burgundy.

Traditionally, the celebration will usually consist of have fourteen young girls called damas and
fourteen young men called chambelanes, in addition to the Quinceanera s own chambelan de
honor. Nowadays, Quinceaneras will sometimes choose to have only seven damas and seven
chambelans. Quinceaneras can also choose to have only all damas or all chambelanes.
Typically the damas will all wear same color and style gowns to coordinate with the Quinceanera
gown and the boys wear coordinating tuxedos.

The actual Quinceanera celebration consists of several parts. It is traditional to have a special
thanksgiving mass or ceremony, followed by the reception and the banquet, and not to forget
the famous quinceanrea waltz or el bals.

After months of practice for the waltz, the moment finally comes during the reception. It is
assumed that the Quinceanera prior to this date has not been able to dance with anyone before.
It is at this time that the Quinceanera will dance the waltz with her chambelan and accompanied
by her damas and other chambelanes. This is a major highlight of the celebration. Other
important highlights will follow such as the toast and the cutting of the cake.

Without a doubt the Quinceanera celebration is a major Hispanic tradition where family, friends
and relatives will go through every effort to attend and participate in this celebration.
What is a Quinceanera? A Quinceanera or Sweet 15 is a major milestone in a Hispanic girl's life.
It signifies her entrance to womanhood and the acceptance of new responsibilities this brings.
The history of the Quinceanera dates back to the 1500's, however the Quinceanera tradition is
still popular today in Mexico, the United States, South America, and many other Spanish
speaking countries.
What is the Purpose of a Quinceanera? This special celebration marks the begining of
womanhood. Tradition places new responsibilities on the young woman such as houshold
duties, work, and family needs. While a great deal of attention is placed on the celebration, the
main purpose of a Quinceanera is for the young woman to live a life of faith, good morals and
principles, devotion to her community, and live a decent lifestyle.
Where does a Quinceanera take place? Usually a church mass is celebrated first. Then, the
dinner and dance celebration can be held at the church hall, reception/banquet hall, or many
other unique possibilities.
How can I plan a Quinceanera? You will need a touch of protocol and much when it comes to the
intricate planning of a quinceanera. JoyfulEventsStore.com has a goal to help you in the
planning of this special event! Here you will find a quinceanera planning timeline, information on
the quinceanera order of events, quinceanera theme ideas, quinceanera songs suggestions
and much, much more!
The Significance of a Quinceanera's Last Doll
TheSignificance of the Quinceanera Zapatillas
Planning a Quinceanera
Quineanera Themes
Quineanera Songs
History of a Quinceanera
The entire festivity is full of spiritual and emotional moments, and composed of several events
that take place, where God, thanksgiving, food, music and dance are the mix of ingredients for a
joyous culmination after months of planning.

Quinceanera accessories usually include:
a quinceanera doll (her last doll)
a special quinceanera kneeling pillow  
specially decorated quinceanera toasting glasses and matching cake knives
quinceanera bible and rosary
a quinceanera tiara or crown
a matching photo album and guest signature book
La Quinceanera