The Quinceañera honors a girl's 15th birthday. The term Quinceanera refers both to the celebration and to the girl who has turned 15. The concept of this celebration is similar to a debutante's coming out party. The celebration is a means of acknowledging that a young woman has reached sexual maturity and is now an adult showing she is ready to assume additional family and social responsibilities. This is one of Mexico's most important cultural and social traditions intended to reaffirm religious faith, good morals, and the virtues of traditional family values.

The activities start on the night before her 15th birthday, the girl about to be honored is serenaded by a mariachi band in front of her house. The Quinceanera ceremony usually takes place the following Saturday. The Quinceanera celebration has all of the pomp and circumstance of a large church wedding. Traditionally the first thing to take place on the day of the celebration is The Misa de accion de gracias (thanksgiving Mass). The girl being honored ("Quinceanera") arrives in church dressed in a beautiful full-length gown which is usually white or pale pink in color. She also wears a matching headdress and carries an elaborate bouquet. She is accompanied by her parents, godparents, and members of her Court of Honor. At the end of the church service, the Quinceanera places her bouquet on the altar and the girl's family and friends pass out favors to the guests in attendance. Afterwards the Quinceanera, her family, and guests all proceed to a fiesta. In older days the fiesta was held in the center of town with music, dancing and food.

Today's Quinceañeras often concentrate more on the social aspect of the celebration and, even though it is encouraged, don't always include a church service. The girls are still asked to study the bible, Hispanic history, Quinceañera history, and etiquette.

There are many ways to host a Quinceañera. The most important thing to remember is the Quinceañera is also an educational moment. Do not let the religious meaning get lost in the social aspect. This is a time to be thankful for a young life growing within her Hispanic culture.

Modernized Quinceañeras are still grand affairs consisting of formal receptions, sit-down dinners, and big dances. Many of the formal events included in a traditional Quinceañera are still observed. They often include the Quinceañera and her court being introduced into the party before a blessing and dinner. After dinner the music and dancing begins. The first dance is a waltz danced with the Quinceanera and her father. The dance with the Godparents will follow. The dance floor is then opened for all guests. Men will take turns dancing with the Quinceañera throughout the event.

It is customary for the Quinceañera to receive several gifts for her special ceremony. Each has a symbolic meaning. Those gifts include the following:

• A TIARA - The tiara symbolizes that the Quinceañera is a princess before God.
• A BRACELET - The bracelet symbolizes the unending circle of life.
• EARRINGS - The earrings are to give the Quinceañera a reminder to listen to Gods word.
• CROSS, BIBLE & ROSARY - These items are presented to the Quinceañera to represent religious faith.

During the reception, there is a "crowning ceremony" where a parent or godparent replaces the headpiece worn by the Quinceanera with the tiara.

A scepter (emblem of authority and responsibility) is also presented to her, in recognition of her passage into adulthood.

There will then be a toast to the Quinceanera. The guests offer her their congratulations and best wishes. This is followed by the cutting of a multi-tiered birthday cake decorated to match the Quinceaera's selected colors.

The celebration culminates with the festejada - a dance to a traditional waltz by the Quinceaera with one of her chamberlains.

Things you will need to think about while planning your Quinceañera.

Color and Theme - The color and theme you choose should coordinate with every aspect of the Quinceañera. Choose your color carefully to make sure everything can be matched to avoid problems later in the planning process.

• The Court of Honor - The court of honor consists of 14 damas (female attendants) and 14 chambelanes (male attendants), one representing each year of her life. The birthday girl is escorted by her father or another male relative.
  
  
• Dresses for Damas - You can choose to have your attendants buy a dress you have selected, or make their own. If you decide for your attendants to make their dresses you must select the pattern and the fabric in the color of your choice. Lynchburg, VA & Central Virginia Formal Wear Stores
  
  
• Tuxedos for Chambelains - You are responsible for selecting the tuxedo style and color of your choice. You are also responsible for registering each male attendant with a formal wear store. Lynchburg, VA Tuxedos
  
  
• The Quinceañera Gown - The traditional gown is white or pink, floor length, but trainless, snug on top and wide at the bottom. A headpiece can be worn and should include the theme color.
  
  
• Quinceañera Reception Hall - Hotel ballrooms, bed & breakfasts and other reception facilities are popular choices for your Quinceañera. Lynchburg, VA, Central Virginia & Smith Mountain Lake Banquet Facilities
  
  
• Invitations - You should mail your invitations 4 to 5 weeks prior to your Quinceañera.
  
  
• Entertainment - From mariachi music during dinner to interactive activities following dinner to dancing and special songs all incorporated into your Quinceañera. Armistead Events' DJs y los planificadores de acontecimiento le ayudarán a crear un partido impresionante que sus huéspedes no olvidarán.
  
  
• Photographer - It is your time to sparkle and shine. You will want to capture the sentimental and fun moments of your Quinceañera celebration.
  
  
• Videographer - A professionally mastered DVD of your special day will enable you to re-live your celebration for years to come. You can even show your children and grandchildren.
  
  
• Quinceañera Cake - The cake is a special part of any birthday celebration. You'll want to select an elegant one for this very special occasion.
  
  
• The Bouquet - The Quinceañera will need a magnificent bouquet. You may also need centerpieces for your guests' tables, or you may want to purchase corsages and boutineers for special guests such as parents, grandparents and God parents.
  
  
• Madrinas and Padrinos - Quinceañeras can be very expensive. It is customary to ask for help. The Madrinas and Padrinos act as sponsors and usually choose an area they would like to help with such as the entertainment, photography, videography or the cake.

For more Quinceañera suggestions contact one of our Armistead Events Event Planners

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