A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a fiesta for a young girl's 15th birthday. This is a special day honoring the passage from childhood to womanhood. I had heard these parties were extravagant, and probably more expensive than a traditional wedding. Even with this background knowledge, I was still amazed.
It begins with a "thanks giving" mass.
The girl walks in behind the priest and is followed by her parents, godparents, and seven boys chosen as her "chambelanes". The mass lasts about 45 minutes ending in the girl giving her bouquet as an offering to the Virgin Mary as Ave Maria echos through the church.
After the mass, everyone gathers in a amazingly decorated reception hall. The banquet will serve about 200 guests.
After the main dish, the honored girl and her chambelanes are introduced. Her mother is a coworker of mine; she too looks beautiful and gives a speech that leaves most of us in tears. Then, they start the party with the first dance.
After this introductory baile, they perform a waltz. (coming soon - youtube is not cooperating)
Afterwards, the quinceñera also addresses the crowd, thanks her mother and her godparents for raising her so well. She invites the crowd to dance. The family has hired the craziest performance group I have ever seen. At first, they sing some popular songs in both English and Spanish, but as the night goes on, they liven up the crowd with all kinds of tricks and treats. They have costumes, party favors, and much, much more.
There is the giant paper mache man....
The mask congo-ing all over the dance floor.
And a boot-scootin' cowboy on skiltz.
Definitely the best party I have ever attended.
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