Quinceanera: The coming-of-age festival celebrated across Latin America
Most of you know about upanayana or the initiation ceremony undergone by Hindu boys above the age of 10, especially the ones belonging to the upper castes, marking the start of their formal education. In colloquial terms, people regard this custom as a celebration of moving to adolescence from boyhood.
A similar tradition is practised in Latin American countries too! However, instead of boys, it’s surrounding the girls, and instead of celebrating the entry into the teenage years, it celebrates the coming of age. It is known as Quinceanera. Here’s what this tradition is all about.
Quinceanera: A fifteenth birthday tradition
We all love celebrating birthdays, don’t we? We eagerly wait for a whole year for that one special day where all the spotlight is on us. Having said that, birthdays of others can be fun and exciting too, especially if it involves surprises. But is there a super important birthday for you? Was it your 10th or are you still eagerly waiting for your 18th birthday, to welcome adulthood?
Nevertheless, birthdays are and always will be special. But if you ask a Latina girl, she would perhaps say that the most eventful birthday of life would be her fifteenth birthday or the Quinceanera, often deemed as the coming-of-age party for girls. For those unaware, the word ‘quinceanera’ is derived from two Spanish terms: ‘Quince’ meaning fifteen and ‘anos’ meaning years. In fact, this Latin American tradition marks a girl’s transition from childhood to womanhood. Interestingly, the girl herself is known as ‘quinceanera’ meaning ‘a female 15-year-old.’
A sneak peek at Quinceanera traditions
If Quinceanera is much more than a fifteenth birthday celebration, it must have certain unique traditions, isn’t it? Well, turns out, it does. For instance, the young woman receives a custom-made doll from her family that represents the last girlhood toy she receives.
Another popular custom is the Changing of the Shoes. Here, a loved one removes the girl’s flat shoes and replaces them with high heeled ones. This is deemed as her entry into the world of ladies.
However, the most important tradition is perhaps walking down the aisle, the way it’s done in weddings. As part of this custom, 7 girls called ‘damas’ (similar to bridesmaids) are accompanied by 7 boys called ‘chamberlanes.’ There’s also an adult man who walks the young woman (dressed in white like a bride or a princess, symbolising her purity and innocence accompanied by a tiara) turning 15. This is often done at a Catholic church and is succeeded by a mass. Following this, there’s a photo session and a music and dance (usually where people engage in waltz) party, much similar to the prom. In fact, the girl usually has her first public dance at her Quinceanera. There’s also a ritual where the father of the girl presents her to the guests.
Origin of Quinceanera
Quinceanera is believed to have pre-Columbian roots, born in the hands of the ancient Mexican tribe called the Aztecs. The Aztecs held the Quinceanera ceremony to mark the most vital stage of a woman’s life, her transition from girlhood to womanhood. She was presented as a virgin to the community for potential suitors.
Another popular origin story suggests that Quinceanera originated in Spain when the Duchess of Alba threw a ball at her palace inviting teenage girls to attend. This was later reinforced by Empress Carlota of Mexico who held similar receptions at her court (in the 19th century) presenting young women as marriage ready.