Quinceañeras are a traditional Latin American celebration for a girl’s 15th birthday that represents one’s transition from childhood to womanhood. It gives young girls the opportunity to step into a new phase in their lives.
68.3% of the student body identifies as Latin American. Quinceañeras play an important role in many students’ lives, as it’s an important part of their culture upon reaching the age of 15. Several Latin American students are having or have had Quinceañeras and it is important that their culture can be something that’s remembered.
While the celebration itself concludes in a single night, the preparation for a Quinceañera often requires months of arrangements. Freshman, Roxy Sanchez, explains the planning behind her party, such as picking out her dress and the venue.
“I wouldn’t say I’m doing a traditional Quinceañera, but the dances I’m doing with my family are what’s going to make it feel more personal to me. They are a big part of my life and adding these dances will be a memory I will remember forever,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez shared that picking out the perfect style for a Quinceañera can be really difficult, especially if what you like isn’t what’s most common on dresses. Bringing back waves of nostalgia, along with creating memorable moments.
“The theme I chose was elegant in a way. It wasn’t too elegant, but I feel like the gold on my dress would make it seem that way,” said Sanchez.
Freshman, Daniela Pena Garcia, talks about her Quinceañera experience, such as moments that stuck out to her, expectations vs reality and how she felt in her dress.
“Wearing the dress felt like playing dress up as a little girl. I felt like a princess in a big poofy dress and I got butterflies in my stomach from how excited I was to wear it. It feels so special because you only wear it once and that feeling still sticks with me,” said Garcia.
Even though picking out dresses can be challenging enough, a perfect venue seemed difficult to come by, but for Sanchez, finding a venue was the easiest part.
“I had many decisions but when I looked online, I found a venue that really stood out to me. It wasn’t too big or too small, it was perfect. My dress on the other hand was difficult,” said Sanchez.
Planning a Quinceañera can be really overwhelming, especially since there are so many parts that need to be decided months before the special day. But the outcome of it can be worth all the trouble.
“A moment that stood out to me the most was the dances I choreographed with my loved ones. My chambelanes have been there with me since day one and we’ve created a great bond together. They reassured me a lot when I was nervous and kept a smile on my face the whole night,” said Garcia.
With a lengthy preparation for her Quinceañera, Garcia explains that most of her expectations were met, even when everything did not go according to plan.
“For the most part, my expectations were there. Some things like the cake and the decorations didn’t match what I wanted, the baker didn’t bother making the cake anything similar to my inspo picture. But I tried to keep a positive mindset and looking back, everything turned out pretty nice,” said Garcia.
Sophomore, Victoria Ceja, also had a Quinceañera, but talks about regrets she’s had, such as wishing to be more involved and focusing on the little things rather than the main picture.
“I wish I was more involved in my quince. I didn’t really want it, but my parents insisted and now I regret not being a part of the entire process,” said Ceja.
Being the center of attention during a Quinceañera can be tough, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed about little things and feeling the need to critique everything. But at the end of the celebration, it becomes a valuable experience.
“I was too focused on getting good photos when it would come out fine each time. I still had a good time no matter how the pictures were,” said Ceja.
Quinceañeras can bring special memories to people’s lives, since it’s a day that’s meant to be celebrated with loved ones, along with symbolizing that a young girl has entered a new chapter in her life with those supporting her by her side.
