Feb 02, 2019
Barbara’s Quinceanera
The quinceanera marks an important milestone in a girls life. Part birthday party, part rite of passage, it symbolizes a girl’s entrance into womanhood when turning 15, traditionally showcasing her purity and readiness for marriage. We have known Barbara for nine years now, having met here and her family in our first winter here on the Isla. We were honored to be one of the few RVers invited to the celebration.
The invitation which also included a mass at 4:00PM. The gold was covering the invitation so I had to shake it down to get a photo.
It took three days of decorating to turn an empty area into a ballroom complete with a lighted dance floor.
As lovely as any wedding cakes.
The lovely Barbara.
With her mother.
Her parents.
There with 50 tables ( yes 500 guests ) and each had a lovely center piece. The lovely white tuberose gave off a wonderful scent.
A doll from her past and high heels for her future. There are many different traditions and each celebration is different according to the family.
Barbara did a dance with her doll, then her young sister came along and danced with her. Later in the dance there was a tugging of the doll between the two and in the end Karime got Barbara’s doll.
A choreographed dance. Not sure they symbolism of the young gentlemen.
Once the dance was over they led her over to a special table.
The family followed.
A special toast.
The Barbara changed and did a modern dance.
Now an independent young woman?
Suddenly the young fellows left and her Dad jumped up on stage as he shed his tie and jacket.
After this dance Barbara went to change. The top above is the same one with her full ballgown. Only the bottoms were switched. She did wear running shoes the entire evening, you just couldn’t see them under the full skirt of her gown. We were fed and given drinks from the moment we arrived. A variety of appetizers were served, later followed by ceviche and a shrimp plate.
The main course was severed after this last dance was a beef plate with pasta and beans. We stayed with the shrimp pate and crackers.
After dinner a 16 person band complete with a few technicians set up. They came in from Mazatlan on their own bus.
Another first dance.
The following video has been shortened to less than a minute but listen to the music. It changes after a few moments but in my opinion a very strange first part.
One more dance. I know that this is a long post but Barbara’s family and friends will appreciate it.
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What a wonderful evening. The young lady is beautiful. Wonderful photos, thanks for taking us along.
So very special watching a child grow into a young lady.
What a special evening for that young lady and all the guests.
Something she will will remember all of her life. I imagine that she has been planning this for the last 4 -5 years.
Having only heard of Quincerarneras this was certainly an eye opener and to the family and friends such a momentous occasion. So many thanks for sharing.
You are welcome We are more than honored to have been invited.
Wow! That was quite the party, thanks.
It was quite the party. What I did not mention is that us old folks should have had ear plugs. The music was loud.
What a fun celebration nice that you could attend
It was a true privilege to have been invited. Instead of actual presents they asked for monetary gifts.
I have heard of a quinceanera and have always wondered about them, thanks for sharing! It sounds like a great time 🙂
This was the most elaborate one that we have been seen to. The restaurant next to the RV park used to host these eventsand they were really wonderful but our mouths dropped open at this one.
Elaborate Party for a Beautiful young woman. Very lucky for you to attend.
Be Safe and continue Enjoying your time in the south.
It’s about time.
We went to eat at a restaurant once that was having a small quincearea in the back area but this one as over the top.
Having spent high school in New Mexico and a good share of my life in the Southwest the Quinceanera has been a frequent event that I have observed but this one is the most elaborate I have seen. How fortunate you were to take part in it. I enjoy following your time at the beach and seeing your lovely photos.
Thank you for taking the time to comment and to share your observations. Love to have you following along.
Wow, I had no idea they were sometimes as big as weddings. Glad you got invited,thanks for sharing the experience.
Yes, I have heard that sometimes they spend more on this than a wedding. Parents start saving once they have a girl. We were truly honored to have been a part of it. We have shared all of of photos with the parents.
Hi Contessa, glad you amigos are enjoying the warm South. Quinceañera celebration is the equivalent of ‘ Sweet Sixteen ‘ fiesta, by what I gather hispanic girls adulthood (rite of pass) comes one year earlier than that of the american young ladies. My regards: Lucy,
Love to hear from you Lucy. I always wondered about the differences between the quinceanera vs a Sweet Sixteen party.