Quinceanera Traditions

quince_2

Sweet 15 – Creating a Meaningful,

Beautiful, Festive Celebration

Quinceanera Traditions

A Quinceañera is the Hispanic tradition of celebrating a young girl’s coming of age – her 15th birthday. Party Idea Pros offers lots of basic planning advice, theme ideas, and recommended supplies, but up until now, we definitely slacked off in guidance on the most important aspect the quinceanera tradition – the ceremony. And as we learn more and more about this beautiful tradition, we realize that we need to develop some new celebration packages to fit the occasion. In the meantime, be sure to check out the following Party Idea Pros Quinceanera celebration theme packages and modify them with a few quinceanera specific touches.

Quinceanera Theme Ideas

Butterfly

Everything Sweet

Classic Elegance

Garden Delights

Happy Birthday

Hollywood

Orange (or any color) Outburst

Melodies of Life

Smiles!

Sparkling Nights

Tea Party

Winter Wonderland

Coming Soon!

Colorful Zebra (Jungle)

Serene Seaside (Surf’s Up)

Princess Party (princess theme decor kits and invitations)

The Quinceanera Tradition — A Quick Overview

photo source: Val McCormick Photography

 

The Meaning of a QUINCEANERA

courtesy of myfifteen.com

The Quinceañera tradition dates back more than 600 years to when the Aztec and Mayan cultures celebrated when a young girl became eligible to marry, have children, and take on the responsibilities of a woman in the community. Eventually, the tradition was influenced by the Spaniards, and a Catholic connection emerged. More recently, non-Catholic churches have also begun to offer religious ceremonies for Quinceañeras. While the religious ceremony is a vital part of the Quinceañera for many Latino families, today some choose to have a reception only.

For those that celebrate in the church first, the ceremony comprises a very important part of the event. The church ceremony, and all of the preparation leading up to it, can provide a wonderful opportunity for the Quinceañera’s priest or minister to discuss with her the growing responsibilities she takes on as a woman of faith. The ceremony serves to remind her of her devotion to God, and it includes a rededication of her baptismal vows.

Many of the traditional gifts presented to the quinceañera by her parents and her padrinos (Godparents) at her church ceremony are symbols of faith. The tiara placed on her head signifies her standing as a princess in the eyes of God. The quinceañera earrings remind her to listen to God’s word. The bracelet represents the unbroken nature of God’s love: it is unceasing. The scepter represents her acceptance of the responsibilities of being a woman. She also receives a patron saint medal, rosary, or quinceañera Bible to remind her of her foundation in faith. These items represent her tools for navigating through life as a woman of faith.

(See below for more detailed explanations and product recommendations)

So Who’s Who …

The Quinceanera (the 15 year old honoree)

The Parents

The Padrinos (the Godparents)

The Court of Honor (14 young people: her closest friends, siblings, and cousins)

  • Dama (the young girls in the Court of Honor)
  • Chambelan, Escorte, Galan (the young men in the Court of Honor)

Attire

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Generally, quinceanera attire is formal. The Quinceanera often wears a white or pink cinderella style ball gown. The Damas, like bridesmaids, all wear identical dresses, usually a color complimenting the quinceanera’s dress. The Chambelanes rent tuxedos and wear ties or bow ties matching the damas’ dresses. More on dresses later!

And now for the everything Quinceanera …

The Bible

The Bible is an important gift for every quinceañera. It is the basis of the quinceañera’s faith and is a place for her to turn to for advice and companionship throughout her adult life.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O1JTS4?ie=UTF8&tag=partycom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000O1JTS4

Mis Quince Años Satin Bible – White

Mis Quince Años Heart-Shaped Kneeling Pillow

Mis Quince Años White Satin Photo Album

Mis Quince Años White Satin 5-piece Set

Each set includes a photo album, guestbook, Bible, and heart-shaped kneeling and tiara pillows

Quinceanera/Reina Valera Revision, 1960/Holy Bible Edicion (Spanish Edition)

Pocket Bible-RV 1909-Quinceanera (Spanish Edition)

Mis Quince Kneeling Pillow – Pink

Satin Tiara Pillow – White

The Rosary

The Rosary is central in the Catholic faith, and is often presented on this occasion to assist the quinceañera with her prayers. In addition to or in place of the rosary, the quinceañera may receive a patron saint medal to wear as a reminder of the importance of her faith and religious tradition in her life.

Quince Blue Rosary

Blue Hand Enameled Limited Edition Silver Tone Rosary

Purple Hand Enameled Limited Edition Silver Tone Rosary

Purple Hand Enameled Limited Edition Silver Tone Rosary

White Hand Enameled Limited Edition Gold Tone Rosary

Sterling Silver Freshwater Cultured Pearl Rosary – 22 Inch

Sterling Silver Green Bead Rosary 18

14K Pearl Rosary Necklace – 17

14k Rose Gold Saint Christopher Medal Charm

14k Saint Anne Medal Pendant

 

The Bracelet and The Ring

The Bracelet is a symbol of God’s unending love. The parents or the padrinos may present a bracelet to the quinceañera. While the bracelet may be of any style. Many popular choices include something with a charm, a Christian Symbol, a simple bangle, or a special quinceañera bracelet with a “15″ charm or symbol.

The Ring serves much the same purpose as the bracelet, it symbolizes God’s unending love. The quinceañera may receive one or both of these items and sometimes the ring and bracelet will be part of a matching set.

Quince Anos Shy Heart Ring

Quinceanera 15 Means Love 14K GEP Ring

14K Yellow Gold Teen Quinceanera Ring

Quinceanera Golden Flower 14K GEP Ring

Sweet 15 (Quinceanera) in Open Heart, 14K Gold Charm

Quinceanera Dancing Hearts Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Sweet 15 Heart Charm

14K Two Tone Gold Sweet 15 Flower Charm

Tiffany Inspired Quinceanera Bracelet

The Tiara

The Tiara (or corona) symbolizes that the quinceañera is a princess in the eyes of God. The tiara usually replaces a simple headpiece that the quinceañera wears into the ceremony. She may receive her corona at the church ceremony, or during the reception. Your priest or minister can help you determine which events should occur in the church ceremony, and which are reserved for the reception.

Quinceanera Diamond Caress Comb Tiara Princess Bride Tiara

Nested Hearts Quinceaneras 15 Silver Tiara

Quinceanera Birthday 15 Rhinestone Hearts Tiara

Queen of Hearts Rhinestone and Silver Tiara 2.5

Quinceanera Tiara

Quinceanera Diamond Caress Sweet 15 CombTiara

Princess Bride Tiara

Tiara Bag

The Scepter

The scepter represents the quinceanera’s acceptance of the responsibilities of being a woman.

Quinceanera Princess Xitlalla Silver Scepter

Quinceanera Cinderella Ball Silver Scepter

Quinceanera 15 Forever Silver Scepter

Quinceanera Fleur De Lis Silver Scepter

Quinceanera Regal Princess Silver Scepter

 

Quinceanera Silver Fleur De Heart Silver Scepter

Quinceanera Scepter Bags

The Last Doll (Muneca)

The last doll is another traditional symbol that embodies a great deal of meaning. The last doll, or ultima muñeca, represents the leaving behind of her childhood and the toys of a young girl, in exchange for more grown-up responsibilities and interests. The last doll can be given by the padrinos or the parents.

Mis Quince Años Doll with “15″ Arch

Princess Quinceanera 14in Porcelain Doll White

Princess Quinceanera 14in Porcelain Doll Pink

Princesa Quinceanera Porcelain Doll 14

Princess Quinceanera 14in Porcelain Doll Red

Princess Quinceanera 14in Porcelain Doll Purple/lilac

Princess Quinceanera in Pwaxh Dress with White Roses

The Earrings

The earrings serve to remind the young woman to keep her ears tuned to the word of God. They may be presented by the padrinos or the parents. If presented at the church ceremony, the priest or minister will bless them along with the other gifts. The earrings can be in any style and are usually something very special for the young woman.

Quinceanera Crystal Hearts Earrings 14KT GEP

Garden Theme Sterling Silver Diamond Flower Earring

White Gold Diamond Butterfly Earrings

More Butterfly Theme Earrings

ROYAL DUCHESS DIAMOND EARRINGS

Swing & Sway Olive Hues Chandelier Earrings

The  Waltz

The Quinceanera Waltz

courtesy of Uniquely Quince

This is a dance that is practiced for months before the official Quinceañera celebration. It begins with a special dance between the Quinceañera and her father to music that she has chosen with her parents. When the father-daughter dance is complete, the Quinceañera dances with her Chambelán escort. At the conclusion of this dance, all of the Chambelán and Damas join in and dance a choreographed piece. This is one of the highlights of the event so it is necessary that it be performed well. Music like “A Ritmo de Bals” and “Sobre las Olas” is traditionally used, but the Quinceañera and her parents may select other music.

The dance symbolizes the transfer of the young lady from childhood to adulthood. After the dance, she has the freedom to dance with other young men.

Quinceanera

Para Toda Quinceanera

Quinceanera de Oro

Celebrando Quinceanera

Valses Mexicanos

Quinceanera Shoes

The quinceañera begins her ceremony in flat heels, symbolic of her childhood. Usually during the reception, her father will kneel at her feet as she sits in a special chair. He will remove the low heeled shoes of her childhood and replace them with her first high heeled shoes. It is typically from this point forward that she is allowed to wear high heeled shoes.

Here are a few of the shoes recommended by MisQuinceMag.com. Just click on the shoe!

Atlantis zzz Flash(Dyeable) zzz Scarlet zzzz Serenity zzz Maureen zzzz Jessica

zzz zzz zzz zzz

Hayden zCinderella Shoe zClear Sandals zD’Orsay Pumps zStrappy Clear Heals

Quinceanera Dresses

I have to admit, choosing the dress is my favorite aspect of the whole planning process.

Here are a few of the dresses recommended by MisQuinceMag.com. Just click on the dress!

Bright Quinceanera Dresses

Mary’s #4270 zzzz Mori Lee #86069 zz Alyce Designs # 6387

Mori Lee #7064 zzzzzzzAllure  Q122 zzzzzz Allure  Q129 zzz

White Quinceanera Dresses …

Mary’s # 4180 zzzzzzzzz Allure Q124

Mori Lee #86065 z Mon Cheri PR 1833 zz Cheri PR1835

Pretty in Pink …

Mori Lee #86067 zzz Mori Lee #86064 zzzMori Lee 86071 zzzMori Lee 86061

For even more options, House of Brides has an extensive collection of Quinceanera dresses.

The Invitations

Choosing your invitation is the equivalent of the title of a paper … it sets the tone for the entire party! Party Idea Pros’ celebration theme packages each have beautiful invitations suggestions, absolutely appropriate for any Quinceanera celebration. However, if you prefer invitations specifically designed for Quinceaneras, here are a few of our favorites.

 

Dress in Gold Accents: 100 Personalized Quinceanera Invitations Pink Quince Anos: 100 Personalized Quinceanera Invitations 100 Personalized Quinceanera InvitationsElegant Quince Anos: 100 Personalized Quinceanera Invitations

Beauty with Butterflies: 100 Personalized Quinceanera Invitations100 Personalized Quinceanera Invitations

Princess in Purple

Dress in Gold Accents

Pink Quince Anos

Beauty with Butterflies

Ceremony Quinceanera Invitations

Quinceanera Queen

Twinkling Tiara

Elegant Quince Anos: 100 Personalized Quinceanera Invitations

Adaptable Quinceanera Invitacion Tarjeta postcardQuinceanera Invitation Rose Floral Frame Pink invitationQuinceanera Invitation Floral Blue Brown Diamonds invitationAqua Blue Dress Brunette Quinceanera Invitations invitation

Adaptable Quinceanera Invitacion Tarjeta

Quinceanera Invitation Rose Floral Frame Pink

Quinceanera Invitation Floral Blue Brown Diamonds

Aqua Blue Dress Brunette Quinceanera Invitations

quince sweet 15 BLUE tiara custom BIRTHDAY invitationAnnouncement Quinceanera 15th Birthday Invitation invitationLavender Roses Quinceanera Invitation invitationTiara Black Pink Invitation invitation

quince sweet 15 BLUE tiara custom BIRTHDAY

Announcement Quinceanera 15th Birthday Invitation

Lavender Roses Quinceanera Invitation

Tiara Black Pink Invitation

New!

Quinceanera Birthday Leopard Pink Black White invitationPurple Ball Gown High Heel Shoes Quinceanera invitationQuinceanera 15th White Pink Flowers Gold Tiara invitationQuinceanera 15th Birthday Party Pink White Floral invitation

Quinceanera Birthday Leopard Pink BlackWhite

Purple Ball Gown High Heel Shoes Quinceanera

Quinceanera 15th White Pink Flowers Gold Tiara

Quinceanera 15th Birthday Party Pink White Floral

Teal Blue Sweet 15 Quinceanera invitation   Teal Damask Quinceanera Invitations invitation    Quinceanera 15th Teal Blue Gold Tiara invitationAqua and Silver Floral Quinceanera Invitation invitation

Teal Blue Sweet 15 Quinceanera

Teal Damask Quinceanera Invitations

Quinceanera 15th Teal Blue Gold Tiara

Aqua and Silver Floral Quinceanera Invitation

 

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Don’t Forget the Stamp

quinceanera PRINCESS custom stamp     Quinceañera Pink Rose stamp stamp Quinceañera for the 15th birthday stampBLUE quince PRINCESS tiara custom birthday stamp stamp

Quinceanera PRINCESS custom stamp

Quinceañera Pink Rose stamp

Quince Princess Stamp

BLUE quince PRINCESS tiara custom birthday stamp

Masquerade Sweet 15 Invitations invitationQuinceaera Postage Stamp stampLavender Roses Quinceanera Postage Stamp stampQUINCEANERA - QUINCE Birthday PASTEL PINK Gown stamp

Masquerade Sweet 15 Invitations

More Quinceanera Postage

Quinceaera Postage Stamp

Lavender Roses Quinceanera Postage Stamp

QUINCEANERA – QUINCE Birthday PASTEL PINK Gown

Especially Quinceanera

Quinceanera Party Favors

Personalized Quinceanera Mint Tins Personalized Quinceanera Lollipop Party Favors Personalized Sweet 16 & Quinceanera Candy Jars

Personalized Quinceanera Mint Tins

Personalized Quinceanera Lollipop Party Favors

Personalized Sweet 16 & Quinceanera Candy Jars

Personalized Favor Pens - Quinceanera RosesPersonalized Favor Pens - Quinceanera CrownPersonalized Favor Pens - Quinceanera Butterfly

Personalized Favor Pens – Quinceanera Roses

Personalized Favor Pens – Quinceanera Bouquet

Personalized Favor Pens – Quinceanera Wand

Personalized Favor Pens – Quinceanera Crown

Personalized Favor Pens – Quinceanera Butterfly

Quinceanera Pink and Brown Candy Bar WrappersQuinceanera Damask Photo Candy Bar WrappersQuinceanera Pink Princess Crowns Candy Bar Wrapper

ROSE QUINCEANERA CANDY BAR

Miniature Quinceanera Pink Princess Crown Candy Bar

Quinceanera Pink and Brown Candy Bar Wrappers

Quinceanera Damask Photo Candy Bar Wrappers

Quinceanera Pink Princess Crowns Candy Bar Wrapper

….

More Quinceanera Goodies

SALE Quinceanera Beads SALE quinceanera 15 skr Chocolate Mold: 1 Count

SALE Quinceanera Beads SALE

quinceanera 15 skr Chocolate Mold: 1 Count

 

Fairy Tale Quinceanera

icon icon Royal Tea Lights Fairy Tale Carriage Candle

“Enchanted Carriage” Favor Boxes

Tiara Place Card Holders

Royal Tea Lights

Fairy Tale Carriage Candle

Personalized Favor Pens – Quinceanera Wand

Personalized Favor Pens – Quinceanera Crown

Miniature Quinceanera Pink Princess Crown Candy Bar

Quinceanera Pink Princess Crowns Candy Bar Wrapper

Add some fairy dust sparkle to your tables with these diamond tea light holders.

Forever Diamond Centerpiece

Diamond Shaped Tea Light Holders

“Forever Diamond” Candle Centerpiece

Unscented Tea Lights

Quinceanera Gifts

Quinceanera Jewlry BoxMi Quinceanera Gift Set - FIGURINES

Quinceanera Jewelry Photo Box

Mi Quinceanera Gift Set – FIGURINES

Quinceanera Cake Tops

Swarovski Accent Number Cake Toppers

(Substitute the number 15 for the number 16)

Swarovski Crystal Monogram Cake Toppers

Swarovski Crystal Heart Cake Toppers

Mis Quince Años Cake Topper Doll

Mis Quince Paper Goods

For a more casual  celebration…

If you are hosting a huge bash (i.e. your entire town is invited) paper goods might be your easiest option. But convenience doesn’t have to be tacky — this buttercup floral and butterfly pattern is the perfect mixture of chic and elegance. In fact, create your entire theme around these pieces from your invitation to your dress. I love it!

Mis Quince Deluxe Party Pack

Mis Quince Deluxe Party Pack

Books

The Last Doll / La Ultima Muneca      I Loved You Before You Were BornQuinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any BudgetOnce Upon a Quinceanera: Coming of Age in the USA

The Last Doll / La Ultima Muneca

I Loved You Before You Were Born

Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget by Priscilla Mills

Once Upon a Quinceanera: Coming of Age in the USA by Julia Alvarez

 

Make the Night Last a Year

 

Don’t let this memorable ceremony and celebration fade away with the morning sun. The next day, when all is still fresh, log onto Shutterfly.com to create photo books, memory calendars, and even photo thank you notes.

Photo Books

Collage Calendars

Photo cards

Party Hearty!

FavorAffair.com (The Shops at 24Seven)

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