QuinceaneraBy Maison, Nadia, Ethan, and Jelena

For their sweet 16 party, the families do the full-blown Quinceanera traditions-the religious ceremony the reception, the tiara with the number 16, and more. The Quinceanera tradition comes from Mexico, Puerto Rico and South America.

Most Quinceaneras are very fancy events. At one time 14 girls and 14 boys made up the court of honor.

The court walks down the aisle together in pairs followed by the Quinceanera and her escort. Every guest gets a piece of cake.

The customs highlight God, family, friends, music, food and dance. The boys wear tuxedos.

Quinceanera TraditionBy

Seth, Montrell, Meadow, and Kayla

This celebration honors the beginning of a girl becoming a woman (or a boy becoming a man.)

The birthday girl wears a white dress, which looks like a wedding dress.

She also wears a special necklace her parents have bought her for this special day. She often wears a teara.

The Quinceanera tradition celebrates the young girl (la Quinceanera), and recognizes her journey from childhood to maturity.

The mix of family and friends, young and old, near and far-all combine to make the celebration unique and special.

There are many traditions throughout the quinceanera celebration.

Interestingly, many families today are merging their Hispanic and American heritages by choosing to celebrate a Sweet Sixteen.

One of the most popular is the Changing of the Shoes.

For their 16 party, the families do the full-blown quinceanera traditions.

It’s from Mexico, Puerto Rican, and South America.