Quinceañeras Look Like Brides – But They Aren’t
In addition to colorful blossoms, here in Texas you often see teenage girls in fancy ball gowns at your local parks. These young women are accompanied by friends and family, also in formal attire, and there’s usually a professional photographer in tow.
While, in some cases, you are witnessing an outdoor wedding, most of the time this festive group is strolling through nature as part of a Quince celebration.
Quinceañera Comes from Ancient South American Puberty Rites
A Quince celebration is a coming of age party for a 15-year-old girl. Quince means, “15” in Spanish, which is why the debutante is referred to as a Quinceañera. The tradition can be traced back to ancient Aztecan puberty rites.
Of course, like anything that’s been around for centuries, the practice has changed over time. These days, it’s primarily practiced by Hispanic Catholics, and is both a social as well as a religious event.
Quinceañera Traditions
Traditionally, a Quinceañera will have 14 damas (female attendants, rather like bridesmaids) and 14 chambelanes (male escorts.) In addition, the Quinceañera will have a, “man of honor,” to accompany her.
The celebration begins at a Catholic church with a special mass for the Quinceañera. Afterwards, the girl and her family will head to a park for photos and either have a picnic there, or meet elsewhere for a reception.
The Last Doll & Other Quince Traditions
Other traditional elements may include a bouquet for the Quinceañera to symbolize her new life as well as a ring, a religious medal, and/or a tiara. Another item that is often included in a Quince ritual is the ultima muneca, or, “last doll.” After her parents give the Quinceañera her ultima muneca, she then passes the toy along to a younger sister or cousin to symbolize that as she comes of age, she is leaving behind childish things and moving into adulthood.
Like a wedding, how traditional, fancy and/or formal the event becomes is a choice that the family makes.
More A to Z blog posts
This Quinceañera photo essay and brief overview of the Quince celebration was my post for the letter Q of the A to Z blogging challenge. Tune in tomorrow to see what quirky Texan thing the letter R will bring!
In the meantime, click on this link to find out what other A to Z blogging challenge folks are writing about.
Tui Snider is an author, speaker, and photographer who specializes in North Texas travel, cemetery symbols, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!”
Snider’s best-selling books include Paranormal Texas , Understanding Cemetery Symbols, and 100 Things to Do in Dallas - Fort Worth Before You Die.
Snider has several more books in progress, and enjoys connecting with writers and readers all over the globe through social media, her newsletter and her website: TuiSnider.com.
I had no idea the roots were of South American origin, I figured this tradition came along with the Conquistadores! Either way, any excuse for a party, right? ;)
Great posts! I wouldn’t imagine that in Texas you celebrate the quinceañeras. Spain may be the only Spanish speaking country where we don’t follow the tradition.
Tui – great post on a new Texas staple. Love your Arboretum pictures.
My friend was just telling me about her daughter’s Quinceanera. It’s a lovely tradition. And I do love a big dress – whatever the occasion!
I read an article about these years ago in a magazine. From there I had thought it was only one border town that did Quinceanera. Glad to read it’s more. Really cool celebrations. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Rhonda,
Oh, yeah! I see Quinceaneras all over the place here in north Texas. I’d love to be invited to a Quince party sometime. They look like a lot of fun to me.
~Tui
Hello, just stopping by to let you know that I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award :)
Rebeccah Writes – Liebster Award
Thanks, Rebecca!
Y’know, I think at least one other person has nominated me to a Liebster Award, too. I’d better get cracking!
~Tui
Wanted to pop back in and suggest you not use anonymous when leaving blog comments. Use the drop down feature so you can add your name and url. It’s much faster for you, and it doesn’t end up spam at my end. Often I don’t even see the anonymous comments because they get swept away.
Lots of quinceaneras down here in San Antonio!
Hi Carol,
Your comment makes me wonder which parts of Texas have more Quinceaneras than others. I’d like to see a map!
~Tui
Very interesting, never knew about this tradition, but think I’ve come across it a time or two in the park and wondered about it. Love the post.
A-Z
Thank you, Sandy! Here in Texas, they even have big Quineanera fairs the way they have bridal fairs, elsewhere. ~Tui
Beautiful!! The Quinceanera’s that I’ve been to are nicer than my own WEDDING!!
Connie
A to Z-ing to the end
Peanut Butter and Whine
Hi Connie,
I know what you mean! Some folks go all out for their Quince celebration. I see billboards advertising shops and Quince fairs quite often, too. It’s a big business.
~Tui
p.s. I would love to be invited to a Quince party!
Oooooooo pretty dresses! I kind of want one, but not really since I’m not into dresses that much. lol
Hi Patricia,
Ooooh – you want a dress, not a Quinceanera. I was confused! ;p
~Tui