MEXICO

quinceanera

• maturity
• friends & family, godparents
• reached marriageable age
• ready to take responsibilities
• in current times it remains a celebration

PURPOSE

• Religion
• Relationship with family
• Arrival into womanhood

purpose

• 15 year old girls
• unique birthday
• symbolizes the road after childhood
• reaffirms their religion & family values

THE DRESS

• pastel ball gown
• crown/tiara & gloves
• make up & high heels
• symbolizes purity

process

• like a large church wedding
• the quinceanera (honoured girl) will be escorted
• she can have many members in her court
• maids of honour - damas
• men escorts - chamberlains

the celebration

• after the mass, the party begins
• waltz
• the court of honour
• the quinceanera is dressed in a ball gown
• her male courts dressed in tuxedos

the guests

• mix of family & friends
• guests bring gifts

customary gifts

• tiara
• cross or medal
• bible or prayer book & rosary
• scepter

ritual

• changing of the shoes
• kneeling pillow
• a toast at the end

gifts from parents

• expensive
• jewelry
• car

total cost

• total $5 000 - $20 000
• chef & musicians
• gifts
• catering & customized cake
• parents save up their entire lives