Today's ceremonies embrace religious traditions, and the virtues of family and social responsibility. The custom is a celebration of the young girl (la Quinceanera), and a recognition of her journey from childhood to maturity. The celebration highlights God, family, friends, music, food, and dance.

In the Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central and South American traditions, the custom can be referred to as a Quince (XV) Años, a Quinces, a Quinceanera, a Quinceanero or a Fiesta Rosa. The celebration traditionally begins with a religious ceremony. A reception is held in the home or a banquet hall. The festivities include food and music, and in most, a choreographed waltz or dance performed by the Quinceanera and her court.

The Quinceanera's court can be comprised of young girls (called a Dama), young men (called Chambelán or Escorte or Galán) or a combination of both - traditionally up to 14 persons in the court, which with the Quinceanera, would total 15 young people.

The Quinceanera traditionally wears a ball gown, with her court usually dressed in gowns and tuxedos. Guests usually receive small tokens, cápias and cerámicas, to commemorate the celebration.

It is customary for the Quinceanera to receive the following gifts for her ceremony:

Other accessories for this special occasion might be:

There are many traditions throughout the celebration. At the church ceremony, a Kneeling Pillow, specially decorated with the Quinceanera’s name, is placed in position for the young girl to kneel on during the ceremony. Smaller decorated pillows are also used for the presentation of the Quinceanera’s gifts, such as the Tiara, the Scepter or the Ring.

At the reception, there is always the toast to the Quinceanera, known as the brindis. With decorated Champagne Glasses, the guests are invited to offer their congratulations and best wishes.

The Last Doll is used as part of the ceremony or as decoration and keepsake. In some customs, the Quinceanera doll represents the last things of a child now that the Quinceanera will focus on the things of a young lady. In other cultures, the cápias (printed ribbons with the Quinceanera’s name and date) are pinned to the doll, and the Quinceanera circulates among her guests, thanking them for their presence and presenting them with a memento taken from the doll.

The Quince Años is a glorious celebration that remains a cherished and honored tradition.

The Traditional Ceremony Gifts have special meaning for the Quinceanera celebration, and their honored significance relates to the Quinceanera's coming of age. The Traditional Gifts are special signs of loyalty and commitment to God, family and the community. Where the celebration includes the Mass of Thanksgiving, the gifts are presented to the priest for special blessing.

TIARA
Denotes a "princess" before God and the world; a triumph over childhood and ability to face the challenges ahead.

BRACELET or RING
Representing the unending circle of life, it symbolizes the unending emergence of the young woman's abilities and future contributions to society.

EARRINGS
A reminder to listen to the word of God, and always hear and respond to the world around her.

CROSS or MEDAL
Signifies faith - in God, in herself, and in her world.

BIBLE (or PRAYER BOOK) & ROSARY
Important resources to keep the word of God in her life.

SCEPTER
Symbolizes authority, and more importantly, responsibility for her life, that is now being given to the young woman.

In some Hispanic cultures, the gifts are given to the Quinceanera by "padrinos" (also called godparents or sponsors) specially chosen by the family. The padrinos who give the Traditional Gifts are formally recognized, and often are part of the procession for either the church or reception ceremony, or do the presentation of the gifts to the priest for the blessing.

The TIARA also plays a role in the actual Quinceanera ceremony. It is traditional for the headpiece worn by the Quinceanera to be ceremoniously replaced with the TIARA. The "crowning" is done either by her parents or the godparent presenting the gift. The scepter is also presented to the Quinceanera at the same time. This ceremony usually takes place at the reception.

The Traditional Quinceanera Gifts are the distinctive, precious treasures for the ceremony; a cherished custom that highlights the Quinceanera celebration.

The mix of family and friends, young and old, near and far – all combine to make the celebration unique and special. Guests experiencing this beautiful tradition for the first time, frequently ask us, “Is a gift appropriate?” Yes, dear friends, a gift is appropriate. A Quinceañera or Sweet Sixteen celebration is basically a big birthday party (although a very special, very memorable one). So, anything that you think the young lady would like to receive would be an appropriate gift.

We do suggest, however, that because this is such a unique birthday, that you select a gift that commemorates this very special event in her life. At Quinceanera-Boutique.com, we make every effort to offer items that are unique to the Sweet Fifteen and Sweet Sixteen celebrations. You will find items that would make very distinctive gifts on our website page, Special Gift Ideas.

Whatever you choose, we are certain that the young lady will appreciate your gift.

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