Young girls with a Latin background celebrate their Quincaenera party when they turn 15. Quincaenera marks the birthday of a young Hispanic lady to herald her coming of age. Think of it as the Latin version of the Bat Mitzah, the debutante ball at 18 and the Sweet 16 birthday bash. Historically, Quincaenera parties were held to announce the young woman’s readiness for matrimony. These days, girls still still have a wedding-like experience with the gowns, a Church ceremony and limos, but without a groom. Quincaenera parties are very special and it’s not unusual to hear families saving up for it a year in advance.

Preparing for Quincaenera

Quincaenera parties are a big deal, so careful planning must be done. There’s nothing worse than a hastily put-together Quincaenera. You can hire an event coordinator to help you out, but it’s not really necessary if you pace yourself well and do a lot of things in advance. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• 

  Agree on Details
  Agree on Details. Agree upon a budget and when the Quincaenera party will be held. Since Quincaenera celebrations are preceded by a church mass, they are usually celebrated on a Sunday, not on the day of the birthday of the celebrant. Of course, that is not a fixed rule. As for the budget, you might go slightly over the agreed amount, but it’s important to keep the original sum in mind when looking for services and other expenses. You might want to start choosing sponsors, padrinos or godfathers who will help fund the Quincaenera. (Learn how to create a budget)
• Select a Theme. Quincaeneras can actually have a party theme if the celebrant so wishes. If not, you should already decide a color theme of the party.
• 

  Make Reservations
  Make Reservations. Make reservations in your church and party hall of choice a year to six months in advance, depending on how busy they are. Don’t forget that you should also book for rehearsal days. Other things you should make bookings for are for the priest, caterers, bakers, florists, party entertainers (mariachi, DJ or band), transportation, photographer and videographer.
• Draw up a Guest List. This may sound funny, but you and your daughter should start deciding on who will be part of her honor court, made up of 14 pairs of younger girls and boys, called damas and galanes. There is also the Chambelan, who will serve as escort to the Quincaenera celebrant. They’ll need to know in advance to give them time to prepare their clothes and other activities like dancing.
• Plan the Programme. You can start planning the Quincaenera programme with your daughter. Back then, it used to follow a very strict set of events but these days, you can have many unique additions of your own.
• Start Practicing. Don’t forget that you need to rehearse with the family and the Quincaenera’s honor count on what to do on the day of the celebration.
• Quincaenera Classes. Quincaenera also has a religious significance, so the young celebrant is required to attend Quincaenera classes prior to the celebrations.

Decorating Quincaenera

Traditionally, Quincaenera parties are held very much like a ball requiring formal clothes. The Quincaenera herself is dressed up in a gown with a tiara, gloves, makeup and holding a bouquet of flowers. The Quincaenera can look like a bride if she wants. However, modern Quincaeneras can be something as simple as a pajama party, unusual like a ship cruise, kiddie like a Disney party or elaborate as a princess theme.

For traditional Quincaeneras, the effect that need is bridal with a younger, more feminine effect. Colors used are traditionally white or soft pastel colors, and the decorations for the church can be tied up with the decorations at the reception area. Banners, streamers, banderitas, balloons and tulle are all typical décor you would see in a Quincaenera party.

Banderitas

Balloons

Depending on what you and your daughter agreed on, you can make your decorations more whimsical. For example, for an underwater-themed Quincaenera party, get decorations that bring an underwater feel to the party, like goldfish bowls for centerpieces. For most girls, Quincaenera is a magical night, and with the right decorations, you won’t disappoint the celebrant.

Quincaenera Activities

Since Quincaenera is a traditional celebration, there are particular activities that the celebrant must do before partying. Here are the typical ones you’ll see during a Quincaenera party:

• 

  Priest
  Church Service. The Quincaenera starts with a solemn church service where the priest will speak about the Quincaenera tradition and its importance. The celebrant renews her baptismal vows in the presence of God and her family. It is then followed by a thanksgiving mass in honor of the celebrant’s patron saint. She is given a medallion of her patron saint, a birthstone ring, a crown and flowers. After the mass, the celebrant walks with her escort out of the church and her guests troop to the reception hall where the rest of the celebration continues.
• Reception. The Quincaenera celebrations starts with a toast and the cutting of the wedding-like cake by the Quincaenera.
• Introductions. The host of the party will introduce the honor court, the damas and their escorts, followed by the godparents and the parents. They will form two lines to welcome the Quincaenera who will walk out with her escort, thus her formal introduction to society.
• Turnover Ceremony. The father and younger sister or cousin of the celebrant will then go up to the Quincaenera. The father will then hand the celebrant a doll dressed like her. Later at midnight the celebrant will then hand the doll to her younger sister or cousin. This is another custom signifying the end of the celebrant’s childhood has come to an end.
• 

  If the Shoe Fits
  If the Shoe Fits. A traditional act that takes place during Quincaenera celebrations is for the father or the oldest male relative to remove the celebrant’s flat shoes and replaces them with high heels. This indicates that the young girl is now recognized as a young woman.
• Dancing. The Quincaenera first dance is with her Chambelan, alongside her damas and galanes. Her escort will then turn her over to her father, while he dances with the mother. Her father then leads the celebrant to dance with her godfather or godfathers. Afterwards, she dances again with her Chambelan. After the dance, everyone is welcome to join on the dance floor.
• Singing Songs. Las Mañanitas is traditionally sung to the celebrant by the mariachi band, family and guests, in lieu of the typical “Happy Birthday” song.
• 

  Family toasts
  Toasts. After the meal, members of family and friends can give toasts congratulating the celebrant. It can be funny, sad, sentimental, but it’s an important part of any Quincaenera celebration. It is then followed with a speech from the celebrant about her hopes and dreams. The speech is followed by another from her parents, on how their daughter has changed their lives for the better. (Tips on how to make a toast)
• Party! After all the traditional activities are done, the Quincaenera party is just like any other teenage party. Have party games, play guitar hero, rock out with the mariachi band—get wild and be yourself.
• After the Party. Hand out party favors to remind your guests of this special event. It can be anything, from scented candles to pastries. Send out thank-you notes within the month of the Quincaenera celebration.

Quincaenera parties

Quincaenera parties are a beautiful tradition for girls with a Latin heritage. This celebration helps them bond not only with their friends, and family, but with their community and cultural roots as well. It’s an enjoyable and memorable experience.