Gabriela Quinceanera - April 19, 2008
April 30th, 2008
We did a Quinceanera a couple of weeks ago. We don’t do these often (as we primarily focus on weddings) but when we do get them it’s a lot of fun. It gives us a chance to try different things and the day is not as hectic. You’re not dealing with a huge bridal party.
For those of you not familiar with a Quinceanera:
“The Quince años, or la fiesta Quinceañera, is a rite of passage for fifteen-year-old Latina girls. It is a community and family celebration full of tradition and meaning when a young girl is symbolically escorted into womanhood by her family and the event is witnessed by her community. The word itself comes from the Spanish quince, “fifteen,” and años, “years.”
“The origins of the Quinceañera are often attributed to the ancient customs of the Aztecs, but the ceremony and meaning behind it are similar to other ancient cultural initiation rites that occurred throughout the world. Fifteen was the age when many young women left their family home to become wives and then mothers, and almost as though passing through an invisible door, a Latina enters her Quinceañera as a child but emerges as a young woman with new responsibilities. Those who know and love her will see and treat her differently from that day forward.”
It’s an amazing feeling to document something that goes back thousands of years!
Here is a short video with highlights of the day and some pictures. For the song we chose “El Privilegio de Amar” by Mijares. Beautiful song with very touching lyrics. The message is great for a young adult growing up and heading out into the world. For those of you that read spanish you can read the lyrics to the song by clicking here: “El Privilegio de Amar.” If you can’t read spanish, well, like they say - sometimes music is universal so you can listen with your heart to get the message : )
Enjoy!
- Robert
BTW - If want to learn more about quinceanera traditions I highly recommend a documentary a friend of mine did called “La Quinceanera.” Very touching. Very well made. Check it out.
Here are some pics that Veronica took:
