For most girls, they choose to have a big blow-out birthday bash on their 16th birthday with family and friends, and usually cake and loud music; that’s their way of celebrating their “Sweet Sixteen.” The Hispanic culture has its own traditions for a “sweet sixteen,” except the tradition is recognized on their 15th birthday, referred to as a Quinceañera.
A Quinceañera is the Hispanic tradition of celebrating a young girl’s coming of age – her 15th birthday. Today’s celebrations embrace religious customs and recognize social and family responsibilities. This special occasion traces her experiences from childhood to maturity. Before one is 15 in Hispanic culture, girls aren’t permitted to have a boyfriend or even wear makeup.
On Oct. 15, 2011, Venessa Coronado, sophomore here at MHS received the opportunity to experience her very own Quinceañera.
A Quinceañera is usually planned a year in advance to the actual ceremony, which makes the anticipation even more exciting.
Having a boyfriend before your 15th birthday in the Hispanic culture is simply forbidden
“My favorite thing about having a Quinceañera, is that I’m allowed to have a boyfriend now,” Coronado stated.
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In the Hispanic culture, being given the opportunity to have a Quinceañera is a privilege. It takes a lot of time and effort for the family to make such a special event memorable.
“It was a lot of fun, but a lot of hard work and planning,” said Coronado. “Mine took about a year. Surprisingly, I wasn’t nervous at all. I felt really comfortable. Even though at first, I just wanted to get it over with, after experiencing it, I’m really grateful I got to have one too.”