Quinceañera (Mexican Sweet 15) (15th Birthday)

Quinceañera (pronounced as Kin sia niaira) is an old mexican tradition that probably has its roots in the Debutante balls that announced the coming of age and entrance of females into the society in the United Kingdom and United States in earlier times. 

This event is celebrated with as pomp and joy as possible, with parents lavishly spending on everything from the dress, the tiara on the girl's head to the party theme and decor. Their utmost try is to make this event as special for their daughter as possible. 

Even though this day was celebrated as a kind of coming of age party of their daughter by the parents in earlier times, the trends have changed now. Quinceañera has now merely become a Mexican tradition, which parents are obliged to perform. This becomes even more important when the couple has just one daughter. Mexican people tend to look down upon those families who fail to celebrate their daughter's big day.

I, during one of my travel adventures, accidentally got invited to a girl's Quinceañera. I have to admit that it was one hell of a party. It enlightened me not just about Mexican traditions and culture but also on the importance that they give to their families. I was asked to dress in a formal attire. It was my first time attending such a party and i had no idea as to what i should expect but my experience was a pleasant one. 

Sweet 15 cake

On reaching the party, i was greeted by the parents first and then the girl in question, who was dressed in a huge green gown, at the entrance of the ballroom. Her gown was beautiful, with beaded pearls and roses, it draped past her torso and made her look extremely elegant. The ballroom was big and brightly lit, with green and white curtains hung on the walls, chairs with greens bows on them, tables with brown and green gift bags. Everything about the party seemed to revolve around this specific theme, from the green and silver dress of the birthday girl to the huge white and green birthday cake, everything seemed extremely well coordinated. Even all the guys at the party were wearing suits with matching ties and shirts. Someone had put great effort into organizing the entire thing. Apart from me and my friends, about 200 other people, mostly close relatives of the girl and her friends were present at the party. 

Party Decor

A lavish bufett was set up for the guests, who were invited to eat. After the guests had filled their plates and were settled on their tables, the birthday girl and her cousins surprised us with an amazing dance performance. It started with a waltz on a very melodious spanish song and the tone but later they started dancing on songs with more fast music. It was
highly entertaining. They had all practiced a lot and it showed the love the cousins had for their sister for they bad obviously put a lot of effort into learning those dance moves. 

The dance had only just finished when we got another surprise, a Meriachi band. This was the first time i had seen or heard them play and i was deeply impressed. They played for about an hour after which the cake was cut and served to the guests, party favors were distributed to all the guests. I myself got a very cute box filled with keychains and chocolates. 

Meriachi Band

Afterwards the lights were turned off, voofers were on and the music loud, everyone jumped onto the dancefloor. It was amazing. By 12 at midnight everyone was tired and we were ready to head home.

All in all, the Quinceañera was a magnificently arranged party that perfectly upholded the Mexican traditions and which i am delighted to be a part of.