A Quinceanera is a coming-of-age celebration
It is very special in Latino communities because it marks when a girl makes her transition from childhood into womanhood. Quinceanera actually means fifteen-year-old girl, so the party name fits the celebration perfectly.
Most Latinos celebrate a different variation of this party. Depending on where you are from, you’re probably going to want a different variation of this party, which includes different things. Don’t worry, though — if you are in Dallas, you are still going to be able to find the most beautiful dresses at boutiques such as Elegancia Formal Wear and the most stunning venue to throw the quinceanera that you want such as the Luxor Banquet Hall in Carrollton TX.
Before you have one of the most amazing parties in your life, it may be important to know why it’s such a big deal.
The origin of the quinceanera
Quinceaneras actually originated centuries ago in Aztec culture. When a boy reached the age of fifteen, he became a warrior. When a girl reached the age of fifteen, she became a mother of a future warrior.
Another important aspect of the Pre-Columbian quinceanera celebration was presenting the girls as prospective wives.
After the Spanish colonized South America, they integrated several elements of their culture that weren’t part of the original celebration. Any religious catholic instance, like Mass, is exclusive a Spanish influence.
Quinceaneras may trace back to the year 500 BC, but they are still important and celebrated by young Latino girls everywhere.
The modern history of the quinceanera
It may come as a surprise to you that quinceaneras weren’t that ingrained in hispanic culture until after the 1960s. Before that decade, these coming of age parties were seen as extravagant affairs that only the most wealthy families could enjoy.
That doesn’t mean that less rich families didn’t celebrate this important birthday. Instead, what people usually did was gather for a small party and give the birthday girl presents of things she wouldn’t have had access to before, like make-up, jewelry and high heels. These were presents she wouldn’t have been able to use before she made the transition from childhood to young womanhood.
Nowadays, quinceaneras aren’t just a celebration of age, they are a celebration of culture, especially when it comes to immigrant families. In Dallas TX, one of these parties can be a big or small affair, but it’s important that a girl has one to celebrate her coming of age, her past, her future and where she comes from.
Every culture celebrates this party differently. Usually, it starts with a religious ceremony before a reception is held in a venue, like a banquet hall, or in the quinceanera’s home.
There are a lot of traditions which are followed in some cultures that aren’t followed in others.
However, there are some that are always, always incredibly important. One of the most important aspects of a girl’s quinceanera is actually her dress. She is expected to wear a formal evening dress.
Traditionally, it’s a long ball gown. Traditional dresses used to be either white or pink, but now a dress can be whichever color the quinceanera prefers. For the best selection of quinceanera dresses in Dallas visit Elegancia Formal Wear located at 2662 N Josey Ln #218 in Carrollton TX 75007 or give them a call at 972-820-6372.
In the majority of countries, the dress is chosen by the quinceanera and her mother before the party. While the dress can be very modern and colorful, it usually maintains an aspect of tradition.
Another important tradition is the waltz, a dance that is usually performed with the girl’s father or father figure. In some countries, the quinceanera can choose to dance with her boyfriend or a boy of her choice. However, usually, she finishes the waltz with her father.
Accessories are also a big part of the celebration.
Some countries require that the quinceanera wears a tiara, rings and earrings. In some other countries, it is actually customary for the girl to receive these gifts during her party. Other customary presents include, but aren’t limited to, religious iconography jewelry, commemorative items for her party and bibles or prayer books. Elegancia Formal Wear in North Dallas also has a wide variety of customized accessories just for Quinceaneras.
All of these items have special meaning. The tiara, for instance, denotes a “princess” before God and the ability to face the challenges ahead. The scepter symbolizes authority and responsibility for her life.
The dance is also really important. In some cultures, girls couldn’t dance before they turned fifteen, so the first choreographed dance is an elegant and elaborate show to celebrate the celebrant’s first public dance.
There are lots of different variations to quinceaneras – just as many as there are cultures.
What you need to remember is to plan for something that you’ll love for this important day in your life, whether you’re in Dallas, Texas or in any other place in the United States or the world. Your quinceanera is a party you’ll never forget.
