| Quinceanera is the traditional Latin American | | | | - A "last" dance with Daddy |
| coming-of-age ceremony and celebration for a girl | | | | - Presenting the guest of honor with a special doll or |
| when she turns fifteen years old. The Aztecs began | | | | toy (usually presented by her father) |
| celebrating Quinceanera all the way back in 500 B.C. | | | | - Ceremony of lighting 15 candles |
| At that time, the ceremony indicated to the community | | | | - Trading the birthday girl's hairpiece for a sparkling |
| that the 15-year old girl was now suitable for | | | | crown (traditionally done by her grandfather) |
| motherhood. | | | | - The ceremony of trading flat shoes for a lady-like |
| The meaning of Quinceanera today is slightly different, | | | | pair of heels |
| but this wedding-like event commemorates a 15-year | | | | Cakes for Quinceanera |
| old girl becoming a lady. These beautiful celebrations | | | | Just as with a wedding celebration, the cake for |
| are even more popular in the United States than in | | | | Quinceanera must be very lavishly and elegantly |
| Latin America, often to preserve one of the rich | | | | decorated. The design of the cake is truly only limited |
| traditions of Latin American culture. | | | | by your imagination, but it should reflect the colors of |
| Do you have a young lady in your home that will be | | | | the party theme or the birthday girl's dress. These |
| celebrating her 15th birthday? Here are some ideas for | | | | cakes often have tiers, fountains, and figurines of a |
| planning and throwing a stunning and memorable | | | | young lady featured. Fresh flowers and pearls are |
| Quinceaños party for your daughter. | | | | elegant decorations. Or, choose a design that would |
| Invitations to the Party | | | | honor Latin American culture and history. |
| Plan to send the invitations at least three months in | | | | Party Style |
| advance to family and friends. This party is often as | | | | Although most of the Quinceanera coming-of-age |
| big and as fancy as a wedding, so guests will need | | | | parties are elegant and would rival some wedding |
| plenty of advance notice to place the date on their | | | | celebrations, not every 15-year old girl desires a lavish |
| social calendar. Invitations should reflect the spirit of the | | | | birthday party. Perhaps she would prefer a more |
| event. The invitations could match the color of the | | | | informal garden party with her closest friends and |
| guest of honor's dress or be centered on the theme | | | | family members. All of the traditional celebrations can |
| of the party (crowns, princesses, castles). Honor your | | | | be observed, but in a more personal fashion. The cake |
| friends and family by printing the invitations in both | | | | could still be fancy of course, if the birthday girl so |
| Spanish and English. | | | | desired. Enjoy spending time with her planning her big |
| Quinceanera "Goodbye" Ceremony | | | | birthday party! |
| This traditional ceremony marks the transition of a girl | | | | Above all, the celebration should reflect your daughter's |
| into womanhood. In the spirit of that tradition, here are | | | | tastes and personality so that it is a memorable |
| a few ideas for the goodbye ceremony. | | | | occasion she will remember for her lifetime. |