A quinceañera is one of the most important traditional celebrations that happens among Latinos. On a girl's 15th birthday, a celebration occurs to signify the importance of transitioning from a child to a mature young woman. A quinceañera is meant to honor the young woman for her maturity and also to honor her parents and family.
Most girls at a young age dream of this day to come. The thought excites any young girl as she begins to think of the color her beautiful dress will be and how she will be a princess for that day. As they grow older, they begin to realize that it is more than just a puffy dress and a party. They'll realize the true significance of a quinceñeara.
Just like any other event, there come’s the actual planning of it. As someone whose had a quinceañera and recently helped plan her sister’s, I know how this all goes down: From being stressed out to being even more stressed out. Everyone involved in planning this event has their own share of mixed emotions. Being la quinceañera (the 15 year old girl), the dama, the chambelan, the mom, the sister, and even the gardener, it can be way overwhelming. But as the quinceañera herself, you feel 10,000 times more than others. Some days you're excited, frustrated, devastated, annoyed, happy, nervous, etc. Here's a list of things la quinceñeara says or thinks throughout her quince (short for quinceañera).
1. I really like that dress—but then there’s this other one.
This can either be the easiest or hardest moment of your life. You either have that "love at first sight" and find the perfect dress, or you just fall in love/hate every single one you see.
2. To get the whole set or to not get the whole set?
Nails, oh nails. Do you want bows on every single nail or just one? What design would match best with your perfect pink dress? Such difficult life decisions.
3. I don’t even know what my centerpieces look like.
Your mom may be in charge of this.
4. What do you mean the dress isn't zipping all the way up?
You shouldn't have ate those tacos earlier.
5. Who wants to be in my quinceañera?
Ahhh, this is your Beyoncé moment. You're going to be the spotlight, now you just need people to make you look good: The chambelanes and damas. Any takers?
6. Should I wear flats or heels throughout the whole party?
You may not even know how to walk in heels, but heels it is. Well, that's what you think you'll be wearing, but trust me when I say that during the party, you're going to stick to those basic ol' flats.
7. Everyone wants to go to my quince.
You're famous. You've already handed out your invitations, and everyone is talking about how they're definitely going to go. It's going to be the party of the century, and you know it.
8. Why do all my cousins have to be in my quince?
None of us want this. Not you or your cousin. You want to have your best friend, Jackie, be a part of the best day of your life. Unfortunately, your mom already asked if your cousin can be in it, and your cousin's mom said yes. Which is a great thing because now they will attend every practice. Every single one, whether they like it or not. Bad thing is now you have a little nine year old girl who doesn't know what she's doing.
9. I don't even know how to dance.
You got to love the choreographer because that's going to be you. Quinceañera's are expensive, might as well help a little and not hire a choreographer (unless you're rich) and make up the dance yourself. Even though you don't know how to dance, this can be fun. So much fun.
10. Where’s Juan, and why hasn’t he showed up for practice? He’s like an hour late!
There's going to be those people that were so down to be in your quince, yet they're the ones who are always showing up late to practice. Good job, Juan.
11. I don’t even want to have a party anymore!
You're going to have those days where you just don't know why you decided to have a quince. Who knew it was going to be so stressful to get all your damas together to go dress shopping for them? Let alone agreeing on the same dress that they should wear. Who knew that your center pieces were going to arrive late?
12. You guys need to stop messing up.
We all know that no one is a professional dancer like yourself (sarcasm), but seriously, is it so hard to twirl the girl without almost tearing her arm off?
13. I swear, if you guys drop me when you're lifting me up during the baile sorpresa, it will be the end of you.
All. Of. You. By the way, baile sorpresa means surprise dance.
14. These don’t look like the dresses we ordered…
I hope you all never encounter this problem because it's the absolute worst. You finally get notified that the dama's dresses have arrived. Exciting! Though when you look at them, you realize that those aren't the $150 dresses you ordered.
15. I swear these are happy tears.
This will be you on many occasions. You will cry when your dad gives a small emotional speech about you or because the cake looks so perfect. Whatever it is, may it be happy tears.
The day has officially come. All those months of preparation are finally going to pay off. You're going to be the center of attention everywhere. Just remember to have the time of your life the day of the event. If a chambelan messes up his part in the waltz or if the photographer shows up a bit late, always have a smile on your face. And always be thankful. Be thankful that your parents decided to go on and throw a huge ceremony and party just for you. Be thankful that your family drove from New Mexico or Colorado to attend and be a part of this special celebration. Lastly, have fun!
