The Quinceanera tradition dates back to the early 1500’s when the European culture and the Aztec culture merged. The European culture became a major influence incorporating the elaborate European balls with the Aztec religious ceremony for the Latina when she turned fifteen and celebrated her right of passage.

Many families have adapted the traditions of their ancestors into todays lifestyle. The beauty and importance of the Latino tradition should be the focus of the Quince celebration. The Quinceanera is taking her first step from a little girl to a young woman.

A Quinceanera celebration can range from a beautiful and simple celebration at home or an elaborate ball at a five star hotel. The major influence is the families budget and lifestyle.

Usually the immediate family sits down and discusses what kind of celebration they are all comfortable with having.

If the budget allows, many families hire a professional event planner who assists the family with all the decisions from the special ceremony to the fiesta.

The following is a list of 10 things to consider when planning a Quinceanera Celebration.

1. The budget.
2. Will you have Sponsors who will donate either money or gift part of the celebration? This can be the Quinceanera’s gown, the invitations, the music, the photographer, the videographer, the venue or part of the cost of the venue, etc. Usually the sponsors are God-Parents, family members and/or close friends of the family.
3. Most Quinceanera’s first concern is choosing the perfect gown for her special day.
4. The Quinceanera with help from her mother or mentor usually chooses a color theme which influences the many other decisions for the celebration.
5.The number of guests to be invited who will attend is a very important factor in the planning process.
6.Many Quinceanera’s like to have a decorating theme for the fiesta which can be influenced by the season, budget, interest, and venue such as: a Cinderella, fairy tale, beach theme, stars or any other acceptable idea.
7. The tradition of the Quinceanera was celebrated in the Catholic Church at a special mass. Today with people coming from different backgrounds, many families are celebrating a special Quince ceremony in non-traditional churches. Some families not affiliated with a church are writing their own ceremony and preforming it before the reception.
8. Another part of the tradition is to have a Corte of Honor. This usually consists of friends and family members of the Quinceanera. The Corte of Honor represents one person or one couple for each year of the Quinceanera’s life. These days the decision as to how many members will be in the Corte of Honor is influenced by the type of party and the lifestyle. The tradition is to have 14 girls and 14 boys with the Quinceanera and her escort to be the fifteenth couple. Each member of the Corte of Honor main responsibility is the special dance called the “Val”. This dance is usually choreographed by a person familiar with the special dance. The Corte of Honor members are responsible for purchasing and or renting their own outfits- chosen by the Quinceanera, plus they need to commit to attend the dance rehearsals. There usually are at least six rehearsals.
9. Preparing special toasts to the Quinceanera are usually made by her mother, father, God-Parents, Grandparents and /or special friends.
10. There are many other traditions that are practiced today, but the choices are made by the Quinceanera and her family. Planning a Quinceanera is the prefect time for the mother and father to develop a close bonding with their daughter. A special bond that will last forever. Because the Quinceanera is now taking on a new role in everyone’s life. She needs to know she has the emotional support and love of her parents without judgment. She needs to be comfortable that she has loving parents who will listen to her new challenges in life as she learns to make the right choices. She needs the trust from her loving parents knowing they raised a wonderful Quinceanera who they are proud of and accept her for who she is. Enjoy…