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15th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls – The Quinceanera

May 28, 2012 By Randy Markus Leave a Comment

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girls celebrating their quinceanera

Photo courtesy of Eneas

15th birthday party ideas for girls and this time something a little more unique. Sweet Sixteen birthday parties have been popular in the USA and Canada for several decades. A coming of age party (usually for girls) signifies a young lady’s first steps into adulthood. And while the celebrations may vary from a casual house party to a blowout black tie affair, they are generally the same. A birthday party, a milestone to be sure, but a birthday party nonetheless (not that’s there anything wrong with that!!). But there are not really any customs, rites or rituals specific to a Sweet Sixteen as associated with many other coming of age parties.

Many believe the Sweet Sixteen party evolved from the Quinceanera, a Hispanic celebration when a girl turns fifteen. While also a birthday party, the Quinceanera has both religious and cultural implications that a standard birthday doesn’t.

15th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls – What is a Quinceanera?

Quinceanera translates (almost literally) to “she who is fifteen” and is known as a girl’s coming out party, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. And more than just a party, a traditional Quinceanera begins with a religious ceremony at her church.

Accompanied by her Court of Honor, her parents and godparents, la Quinceanera (the guest of honor) is garbed in a beautiful white gown to signify her innocence. And although customs differ from country to country, the Catholic celebration includes a thanksgiving mass. During the mass la Quinceanera is usually presented with a rosary or religious pendant by her godparents.

15th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls – Quinceanera Traditions

There are many rites that involved with a traditional Quinceanera. They may include (but are not limited to!):

The Court of Honor – Chosen from the la Quinceanera’s circle of friends and close family. The Court of Honor was traditionally comprised of 7 girls and 7 boys paired off but can be an all girl or all boy court of honor.

Changing of the Shoes – The father (or if the father is not present, a close male relative) ceremoniously changes la Quinceanera’s flat shoes to high heels. This symbolizes her transformation from a child to a young woman.

The Last Doll – Depending on the culture, the last doll may be part of the ceremony or used as a decoration. In other cultures the last doll represents the final childhood gift before entering adulthood.

15th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls – The Party

Although by definition a 15th birthday party, a Quinceanera includes the above traditions as well as some specific speeches, toasts and dancing (including a father/daughter dance and one by la Quinceanera and her court).

Once tradition has been adhered to, anything goes! Dictated by what kind of party la Quinceanera and her parents want, a Quinceanera is like many rituals, as big and grand, or as intimate and low key as the hosts and guest of honor prefer.

Through the ages we have celebrated rites of passage, marking the occasions with family, friends and food. A Quinceanera combines those with tradition, religion and customs, making for a memorable time for all!

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Related posts:

  1. Boys Birthday Party Ideas – Taking the Party Outside
  2. Sesame Street Birthday Party Ideas – Come and Play, Everything’s A-OK!
  3. Boy Birthday Party Ideas – How to Survive Your Son’s Birthday Party…
  4. Tween Birthday Party Ideas

Filed Under: Planning Parties Tagged With: Birthday, birthdayparty, parties, party, plananevent, planning, planningparties, Quinceañera

About Randy Markus

Randy is a hospitality professional with years of experience in the meetings and events industry. A proven leader in event planning producing out-of-the-box event projects. Dedicated to raising the bar, creating strategy and managing risk.

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