History of Quinceanera

Teenage Hispanic girls traditionally have a celebration called The Quinceanera on their fifteenth birthday. This History of Quinceanera marks their transition from childhood to being an adult young woman. The Quinceanera honors their life, as well as their thankfulness to God for their life.

Spain historically has celebrated elaborate coming of age rites of passage for their young males and females. The conquistadors are believed to have brought this practice to Meso-American tribes (like the Mayans and Toltecs of Mexico). The Quinceanera is celebrated throughout Mexico, South America, Central America and Latin islands in the Caribbean (such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic).

The History of Quinceanera comes with celebration that takes place with friends and family. The young woman will choose fifteen friends and/or family members to go inside the Church with them, along with her parents and godparents. Readings will take place first, with the Quinceanera girl stating a committment to God and the Virgin Mary that she will live her life in line with Christ's teachings.

Special blessings will be said following the readings and verbalizations of committment and devotion. Once the traditional ceremony is finished, there is commonly a celebratory dinner and dance. Many families save money for a Quinceanera years in advance. Some common costs when having a Quinceanera celebration include musicians, seamstresses, wedding photographer who shoots Quinceanera, chefs, florists, and limousine drivers. Gifts are also a common additional cost.

Unlike the ordinary History of Quinceanera, recently greater numbers of Hispanic boys have been celebrating in their own "Quinceanera", otherwise known as a commemoration of their religious blessings. Boys throwing a "Quinceanera" are becoming more common in the Southwestern and Western United States, though are still uncommon in Latin American countries.

There are no mention of boys in the traditional "Bendicion de la Quinceanera". Some young women choose to have a "viaje" (journey) instead of a "fiesta" (big party) to celebrate their Quinceaneras. This type of trip was favored twenty years ago, when young women would travel to Europe for their Quinceanera. In the History of Quinceanera today viajes have become less prevalent, and many opt to celebrate with a party.

You can see more samples of quinceanera photos at Aaroneye Photography's wedding photographer blog. Do you have a wedding coming up in spring? You can read more about wedding in spring and learn about why engaged couple love nature and the beauty of wedding in spring.