Quinceañera

Celebration of a girl's 15th birthday

For other uses, see Quinceañera (disambiguation).

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Mexican American girls at a quinceañera celebration in Santa Fe, New Mexico

In Latin American cultures, it is customary to celebrate a girl's 15th birthday. In Spanish, the girl celebrating her 15th birthday is called a quinceañera; in English, primarily in the United States, quinceañera is used to refer to the celebrations and honors surrounding the special occasion. The Spanish names for the celebration can be literally translated to English as the "celebration of the 15-year-old" (fiesta de quinceañera, fiesta de quince años), "15 years" (quince años, quinceañero) or just 15 (quinces).[1]

## Origin

[edit]

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Contemporary festivities combine Catholic traditions from old Spain with the traditions of indigenous heritages of pre-Columbian Mexico, along with a few modern twists, and rely heavily on European influence from the period of the Second Mexican Empire.[2] For example: In ancient Mexico, the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples had many different ceremonies to mark the passage through the various stages of life. The quinceañera marked a young woman's transition to adulthood, as she was presented, as a virgin, to the community for probable suitors.[3] Other origin stories attribute quinceañera history to the Duchess of Alba in Spain, who hosted a ball at her palace and invited adolescent girls to attend in formal clothes.[4]This tradition would continue and was reinforced when Empress Carlota of Mexico, granddaughter of the Louis Philippe I of France, threw a similar reception for her court in Mexico City—presenting young women as eligible for marriage. The traditions of the quinceañera wearing elaborate ball gowns, utilizing courtly European social customs, and ballroom dancing coincides with the styles and customs of the period of the Second Mexican Empire, which was an extension of the European royal courts of the time.[2]

In a traditional Mexican quinceañera, young women and men have roles as formal damas and chambelanes, who perform special bends at the celebration, along with the quinceañera herself. There is also a "man of honor" who accompanies the young woman. Potential suitors present gifts to her family to make up a dowry or bridal wealth. Prior to her being given away, the women of the community participate by instructing the quinceañera in her duties and responsibilities, urging her to follow the correct path, by remaining true to her people and their traditions throughout her life.[5]

## Changes over the years

[edit]

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A fiesta de quince años at the Church of San Martin in San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla, Mexico

The meaning behind the quinceañera has become more refined over time and has been adapted by various Latino cultures in relation to where they are living.

In rural societies, girls were considered ready for marriage once they turned 15. In the 20th century, the quinceañera received certain privileges associated with womanhood: permission to attend adult parties, pluck her eyebrows and shave her legs, wear makeup, jewelry and high heels. When this tradition originated, the quinceañera was a small party to celebrate the transition. Friends and family gathered in order to give the girl a chance to mingle with young men. Rich families celebrated quinceañeras with big parties and elaborate dresses. In Latin American countries, wealthy families announced quinceañeras in the newspapers to publicize their extravagant celebrations.

In the 1960s, as more Latinos migrated to the United States, they brought their differing national traditions with them. Once in the United States, formerly poor immigrants with good jobs were able to have big parties such as those back in their home country. Family and friends often help put on the event, for example, by making food.[6] From a simple food and cake celebration, it has developed among wealthier families to become an occasion for a big party. Families may use event planners, and develop a celebration with a theme, to be staged with a special entrance and dances, and captured by professional photoshoots and video. Modern quinceañera celebrations also incorporate traditions from other cultures. Markets for event planners and quinceañera-related products have developed.[7]

## Methods of celebration

[edit]

This celebration is different from any other event marking a person's birthday, since it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood.[8] Scholar Yyonne Vissing said that this celebration may begin "with a religious ceremony," is followed by a party featuring food, music, dancing, and fancy dressing, and called it a tradition which "celebrates a young girl’s journey from childhood to maturity."[9] Historically, in the years prior to their 15th birthdays, girls learned about cooking, weaving, and childbearing from the elder women in their communities in preparation for their future roles as wives. During the celebration the girl's father would present her to potential suitors.[10]

In the past, parallel customs could be found in Southern Europe, mainly Spain and France. Today, the custom remains strongest in Mexico, its likely country of introduction during the viceregal or Mexican imperial periods. However, it is widely celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. The grandest parties are comparable to British and American debutante balls.[11] The celebrations themselves vary significantly in different countries; for example, the festivities in some have taken on more religious overtones than in others. Nowadays, the quinceañera is also celebrated by many Latino Americans in the United States, each according to their traditions.[12]

In Brazil, a Portuguese-speaking country, a similar celebration is called festa de debutantes, baile de debutantes, or festa de quinze anos.[13][14][15] In the French Caribbean and French Guiana, it is called fête des quinze ans, a term which is also used to refer to similar ceremonies in Mexico City's historic center.[16][17]

## In specific countries

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### Cuba

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In Cuba, the party may include a choreographed group dance, in which 14 couples waltz around the quinceañera, who is accompanied by one of the main dancers, a boy of her choice, or her boyfriend. The choreography often includes four or six dancers or escorts called experts, who are allowed to dance around the quinceañera. They are usually inexperienced dancers whose function is to highlight the central couple. The male dancers are also allowed to wear tuxedos in different colors.

Fifteenth-birthday celebrations were very popular in Cuba until the late 1970s. This practice partly entered Cuba via Spain, but the greatest influence was the French.[citation needed] The wealthy families who could afford to rent expensive dining rooms in private clubs or hotels of four and five stars held celebrations that were the precursors of quinceañeras, which they called quinces. These celebrations usually took place in the house of the girl or the more spacious house of a relative.

Another tradition, commonly found in Cuba, is to have 14 ladies and 14 escorts (sometimes 7 each) as a court. The escorts hold flowers (usually roses) and the ladies carry candles. As the quinceañera dances the waltz with her father, she blows out one candle, then picks up one rose. This continues until she has blown out all the candles and picked up all the roses. The 14 candles blown out represent her 14 previous years, and with each she makes a wish. When the time comes to cut the cake, the quinceañera will blow out her last candle, thus completing her 15 wishes. The flowers are given to her mother.[18]

### Colombia

[edit]

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In Colombia, the quince starts with the arrival of the teenage girl, accompanied by her father; she is received by her mother and other relatives and friends; father and daughter dance a waltz and other tunes.[19] The quinceañera birthday girl next dances with her brothers (if any) and their uncles and godparents. Then she performs the pasodoble and the waltz with all members of the procession (then optional dances to other music, such as merengue or pop).

For this occasion the teenager wears an evening dress in light colors or pastels, is dressed and made up slightly, and usually places a tiara in her hair and jewels on her neck and hands. All the guests dress in formal attire, including the teenager's peers.

After the first dance, the teenager and her friends have a dance. Then the festival begins with music from live bands, some famous artists, DJs, food, drink, and at one late point of the night a la hora loca[clarification needed] is carried out, in which the attendants wear masks or funny wigs and make noise with whistles and rattles while fast-tempo music is played. It is optional to make some surprise dance performed by the quinceañera birthday girl (alone or accompanied), and a dance that will give away her friends, cousins, and others.

The custom's social significance is such that even poor families tend to spend lavishly on a daughter's quinceañera. The event can cost as much as a year's wages, and many take up debt to be able to pay for it.[20]

### French Guiana and French Caribbean

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In French Guiana and the French Caribbean, the celebration is known as fête des quinze ans. It follows a similar structure.

### Mexico

[edit]

In Mexico, the quinceañera is adorned with elegant jewelry and makeup. By tradition, this was to be the first time she would wear makeup in public, but in the 21st century, girls start using makeup at an earlier age.[21] The quinceañera is also expected to wear a formal evening dress, traditionally a long, elegant ball gown chosen by the girl and most often, her mother, according to her favorite color and style.

A Mexican quinceañera celebration

In the Mexican Catholic tradition, the quinceañera celebration begins with a thanksgiving Mass.[22] She arrives at church accompanied by her parents, godparents, and court of honor. The court of honor is a group of her chosen peers consisting of paired-off girls and boys, respectively known as damas (dames) and chambelanes (chamberlains). Typically, the court consists of pairs ranging from 7 to 15 damas and chambelanes. It is also okay for the quinceañera to choose to have only damas or only chambelanes in her court.[23] At this religious mass, a Rosary, or sometimes a necklace with a locket or pendant depicting Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is presented to the teenager by her godparents, the necklace or rosary having been previously blessed by the priest. She is also awarded a tiara, which serves as a reminder that to her loved ones, especially her immediate family, the quinceañera will always be a princess. Some also see it as denoting that she is a "princess" before God and the world. After this, the girl may leave her bouquet of flowers on the altar for the Virgin Mary.[24]

After the thanksgiving mass, guests gather for a celebratory reception where the events to honor the quinceañera will take place, including giving gifts. This reception may be held at the quinceañera's home, at venues (such as dining halls, banquet halls, or casinos), or in some cases, in more public places, similar to a block party. During the reception, the birthday girl usually dances a traditional waltz with her father to a song chosen by both that speaks about the occasion and their relationship. A popular waltz song traditionally played during the dance is Tiempo de Vals by Chayanne. Then her father passes her to the chambelán de honor, her chosen escort, and afterward they continue the dance with the rest of her court of honor. Often this section of the celebration is previously practiced and/or choreographed, often weeks in advance, sometimes even with months of anticipation.[25]

The basic reception has six major parts[26] with dances taking place while a traditional Mexican meal is served:

1. The formal entry (La Entrada) – A grand entrance made by the quinceañera once most guests have been seated.
2. The formal toast (El Brindis)– An optional but usually featured part of the reception, generally initiated by the parents or godparents of the birthday girl.
3. The first dance – Usually a waltz where the girl dances, starting with her father.
4. The family dance – Usually a waltz involving just the immediate relatives, the chambelanes, godparents, and the closest friends of the girl.
5. The preferred song (Baile Sorpresa) – Any modern song particularly enjoyed by the quinceañera is played and danced.
6. The general dance – Also usually a traditional waltz.

Traditionally, Mexican girls could not dance in public until they turned 15, except at school dances or at family events. So the waltz with her chambelanes is choreographed and elaborate to celebrate what was meant to be the quinceañera's first public dance.

Quinceañera with chambelanes

Some families may choose to add a ceremonial components to the celebration, depending on local customs. Among them are the ceremony of the Change of Shoes, in which a family member presents the quinceañera with her first pair of high heel shoes;[27] the Crowning ceremony, in which a close relative places a crown on her head;[28] and ceremonia de la última muñeca (literally "ceremony of the last doll"), during which her father presents her with a doll usually wearing a dress similar to the quinceañera.[28] The ceremony of the last doll is based on a Maya tradition; it is related to the birthday girl's later giving up of the doll as she grows into womanhood.[29]

Once all symbolic gestures have taken place, the dinner is begun. At this point, the celebration reaches its peak; live musical groups begin playing music, keeping the guests entertained. The music is played while the guests dine, chat, mingle, and dance. The next morning the family and closest friends may also attend a special breakfast, especially if they are staying with the family. Sometimes what is known as a recalentado (re-warming) takes place in which any food not consumed during the event of the night before is warmed again for a brunch type event.[30]

### Spain

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European ball, c. 1774

Although the origin of the festival seems to have its cause in the ancient European aristocratic festival of the "puesta de largo" - or "Debutante ball" according to the nomenclature of foreign influence, in which young women of marriageable age were presented before society, this festival was always restricted to the upper classes in the peninsular kingdoms and in the 20th century its celebration age was delayed to coincide with the civil age of majority. Although it was exported to America, where it also took root among the popular classes, in Spain it gradually disappeared throughout the 20th century. However, the custom has been reintroduced again, although in a less formal version, as a result of Latin American immigration, whose members have applied it to their second generation. However, this version of the festival is not generally considered a custom typical of Spain, but rather exclusive to immigrants.

### United States

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See also: Sweet sixteen (birthday) and Bar and bat mitzvah

Quinceañera. Santa Fe.

While in most of the United States it is customary to celebrate a sweet sixteen, a quinceañera is common amongst the large Mexican American population from California to Florida, as well as within the other Hispanic communities throughout the country and Puerto Rico. Quinceañeras were noted to be celebrated in the mid- to late 1970s in Los Angeles and San Diego and in the early 1980s in different parts of Texas. Though they may not have been widespread, many working-class families could afford quinceañeras because the padrinos and padrones pitch in for the costs. In recent years,[when?] quinceañeras have gained popularity in the United States. Books and other publications about quinceañeras distributed in the United States increasingly include English versions to the original works in Spanish. This shows the increasing influence of Hispanic and Latino culture within the broader American culture.[31] The increasing popularity of the celebration has begun to lead to an uptick in retailers and businesses catering directly to young Hispanic or Latina women.[32]

Argentina

In Argentina, the XVs (or quinces) follow a similar structure but without the chambelanes or dances. There is also an "after twelve list" where people that aren't that close with the quinceañera can come into the party and enjoy it but without being part of the symbolical experience of the xv.

## New traditions

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In the 21st century, many girls create their own quinceañera celebrations. Whereas traditional dresses were formal and usually white dresses only and are now more varied.[3] Also, instead of having the traditional seven damas and seven chambelanes, the quinceañera may pick all damas or all chambelanes. Traditionally, girls were not allowed to dance in public until turning 15, but this taboo has also receded significantly. The ceremony of the Changing of the Shoes has also been modified. Instead of wearing slippers before ceremonially exchanging them for high heels, a girl may decide to wear shoes compatible with the color and style of her dress instead of donning the traditional slippers.[33]

## Celebrities who had quinceañeras

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Several Latin-American celebrities had quinceañeras growing up.[34]

* Eva Longoria started working at a fastfood restaurant to pay for hers (1990)[35][36][37]
* Francia Raisa (2003) [35][38][39]
* Bella Thorne had her quinceañera to honor her Cuban heritage through her father (2011)[35][40]
* Aimee Garcia (1993)[35]
* Justina Machado described her quinceañera as lowbudget and lame (1987)[41][42][43][44][45][46]
* Chiquis Rivera, daughter of Jenni Rivera (2000)[47]
* America Ferrera never had one so she got one from fellow costar Lilly Singh and a doble quinceañera[48]

## In popular culture

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Quinceañeras have been portrayed in many books,[49][50] movies, television shows, documentaries, plays, and online series,[51][52] like the 2006 film Quinceañera, 2012 film Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva la Fiesta!,[53] the 2012 film McFarland, USA,[54] 1990 film Sweet 15, the 1987 Mexican telenovela entitled Quinceañera (which later inspired Miss XV), the 2006 program Quiero Mis Quinces, and the reality television series My Super Sweet 16. One masters thesis stated that there is "no shortage" of visual media focusing on quinceañeras and asserted that the latter is "traditionally something of a spectacle...[and] makes for good entertainment" while it is also a "unique and...meaningful expression of ethnic heritage and maturation."[55]

Other series have stand-alone episodes centered on quinceañeras, including live-action TV series centered on food, such as Top Chef,[56] Cake Boss,[57] Dinner: Impossible,[58] had episodes centering on quinceañeras. Series with similar episodes include Austin & Ally,[59] The Fosters,[60] George Lopez,[61] Jack Ryan[62] Sesame Street,[63] and Superman & Lois.[64] Additionally, animated series such as Elena of Avalor,[65] Hailey's On It!,[66] The Owl House,[67] The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,[68] The Casagrandes,[69] and Dora the Explorer[70] have included episodes centering on quinceañeras.

## Adult quinceañeras

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Since 2018, there has been a trend going around involving quinceañeras because nowadays there are Latin American adults celebrating their birthdays with the quinceañera they never had at 15.[71] As times have changed over the years, quinceañeras have changed from mother-daughter dances to hiring professional dancers as chambelanes to party themes incorporating pop culture (for example a superhero quince), so the parties have evolved to fit individuals' personalities and circumstances.[72] Many Latina women celebrated their dream celebrations as adults because they never had theirs due to financial problems, pressure from parents or family emergencies.[73]

Argentinian-American author Yamile Saied Méndez's 2022 novel Twice a Quinceañera: A Delightful Second Chance Romance portrays "a young woman [who] embarks on a quest for self-love by throwing herself a Double Quinceañera for her 30th birthday."[74]

On September 10, 2023, a woman from Oakley, California had one Disney princess and the frog theme for her 60th birthday after a diabetic condition almost severely impacted her health.[75][76]

## See also

[edit]

* Hispanic and Latino American portal
* Latin America portal

* Rite of passage
* Confirmation
* Cotillion ball
* Debutante
* Sweet sixteen (birthday)
* Las Mañanitas
* Bar and bat mitzvah
* Cug Huê Hng
* Philippine debut

## References

[edit]

Notes

1. ^ Davalos, Karen Mary (15 April 2008). "La Quinceañera: Making Gender and Ethnic Identities". In Rodríguez, Félix V.; Gutmann, Mathew C.; Stephen, Lynn; Zavella, Patricia (eds.). Perspectives on las Américas: A Reader in Culture, History, and Representation. Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-470752067.
2. ^ a b Forman-Brunell, Miriam, ed. (2001). "La Quinceañera". Girlhood in America: An Encyclopedia. ABC-Clio. ISBN 978-1-576072066.
3. ^ a b "The Quinceañera Celebration — The Changing Face of Mexico". www.learnnc.org. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
4. ^ "Quinceañera". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
5. ^ "How the Quinceañera Became a Latin American Rite of Passage". History.com. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
6. ^ Encinias, Shahrazad. "Inside a quinceanera: Family, friends pitch in to help out". The Washington Times. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
7. ^ Alvarez, Julia (2007). Once Upon a Quinceañera. New York: McGraw Hill. pp. 151–157.
8. ^ "Fifteen Questions on the Quinceañera". U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011.
9. ^ Vissing, Yvonne (2018). "Sexual Debut Education: Cultivating a Healthy Approach to Young People's Sexual Experiences" (PDF). Sociological Studies of Children and Youth. 23. Emerald Publishing Limited: 189–190. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
10. ^ "Quinceanera: History of a Tradition". Department of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Archived from the original on 29 October 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
11. ^ Ramirez, Olga M.; McCollugh, Cherie; Diaz, Zulmaris (February 2015). "The Quinceañera Event: Pre-service Teachers Implementing a Culturally Relevant Math Activity in a Hispanic Community". Journal of Mathematics & Culture. 9 (1). University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: 59–61. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
12. ^ Conde, Arturo (17 March 2023). "'Lopez vs. Lopez' captures that special bond between 'primos'". NBC News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2025. "With Latino families, your primos are who you play with when you go to the fiestas, the quinceañeras, when you go to the birthday parties. They become your best friends growing up."
13. ^ Bicoski, Mauricio Elisandro Martins (1 September 2016). "As Difencas Culturais Do Brasileiro Nos Documentarios Do Programa Rumos Itau Cultural Cinema e Video" [Cultural differences in the documentary of the Programa Rumos Itaú Cultural Cinema e Vídeo]. E-Com (in Portuguese). 9 (1). University Center of Belo Horizonte: 139. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
14. ^ Stéban, Stephanie Duarte; Pépece, Olga Maria Coutinho (2015). O Vestido Como Artefato Simbolico No Consumo Ritualitisco Do Baile de Debutantes [Dress as Symbolic Artifact in Ritualistic Consumption of the Debutante Ball] (PDF). 2nd Brazilian Congress of Scientific Initiation in Design and Fashion. 11th Fashion Colloquium – 8th International Edition. Sao Paulo, Brazil: Colóquio de Moda. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
15. ^ Raiz, Amanda C. M.; Nascimento, Edna M. F. S. (1 September 2016). "Uma festa de princesa para a Gata Borralheira" [A princess party for Cinderella]. Estudos Linguisticos (in Portuguese). 40 (3). Portal of GEL Journals: 1783–1784, 1789–1792. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
16. ^ Molo, Elia (June 2021). You have an accent!: Les accents de l'anglais dans les manuels English in Mind et dans les examens de maturité des gymnases vaudois [You have an accent! English accents in the English in Mind textbooks and in the maturity exams of the Vaudois high schools]. Haute école pédagogique du canton de Vaud (Masters thesis) (in French). Vaud, Switzerland: Patrinum. p. 22. Retrieved 28 May 2025.`{{cite thesis}}`: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Can also read by going to this link
17. ^ Monnet, Jérôme (1992). La société des lieux communs: Usages Et Images Du Centre Historique de Mexico [The Society of Commonplaces: Uses and Images of the Historic Center of Mexico City] (PDF). University of Paris-IV (Doctorate thesis) (in French). Vol. 1\. Paris: University of Paris-IV. p. 35. Retrieved 28 May 2025.`{{cite thesis}}`: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
18. ^ Härkönen, Heidi (July 2011). "Girls' 15-Year Birthday Celebration as Cuban Women's Space Outside of the Revolutionary State". Journal of the Association of Social Anthropologists. 4 (1). Retrieved 14 October 2017.
19. ^ Almand, Ray. "A Quinceañera in Quito; Transition into Womanhood And a Big Fiesta for All". Live Well Ecuador. Archived from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
20. ^ Hielscher, Ines (5 August 2018). "Quinceañera in Kolumbien: Wie eine Hochzeit ohne Bräutigam" [Quinceañera in Colombia: Like a Wedding without a Groom]. Spiegel Online (in German). Retrieved 5 August 2018.
21. ^ "Research finds girls using makeup earlier". Spokesman.com. 16 August 2010. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
22. ^ "Quinceañeras, a coming of age celebration". Lolo - Modern Mexican Mercadito. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
23. ^ "What Is A Chambelan: Quinceanera Chambelan, Chamberlain De Quinceañera | The Quinceanera Show". 14 October 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
24. ^ Lestage, Françoise (2011), La quinceañera vista por adolescentes Mexicanas y México-americanas (in Spanish), El Colegio de la Frontera Norte/CONACYT, Mexique, p. 223, retrieved 1 May 2025
25. ^ Cantú, Norma E. (15 December 2024). Fiestas in Laredo: Matachines, Quinceañeras, and George Washington's Birthday. University of North Texas Press. ISBN 978-1-957720-01-2.
26. ^ "Quinceañera Terms". Beverly Clark Enterprises. 2008. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2012.
27. ^ Kirk, Gwyn; Okazawa-Rey, Margo (4 February 2009). Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN 978-0-073512303.
28. ^ a b Alvarez, Julia (2 August 2007). Once Upon a Quinceanera: Coming of Age in the USA. Penguin. ISBN 978-1-101213407.
29. ^ Kessler, Elizabeth Rodriguez; Perrin, Anne (December 2007). Chican@s in the Conversations. Pearson Longman. ISBN 978-0-321394170.
30. ^ Aguilar, Valerie D. (2012). "Fiesta de Quinceaños". BellaOnline. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
31. ^ Cantú, Norma E. & Nájera-Ramírez, Olga, eds. (2002). Chicana Traditions: Continuity and Change. University of Illinois Press.
32. ^ Gonzalez, Marybel (4 June 2016). "The Quinceañera, a Rite of Passage in Transition". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
33. ^ "What Your Quince Shoes Say About You". www.quinceanera.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
34. ^ "Now That's a Quinceanera! - Q By DaVinci Blog". qbydavinci.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
35. ^ a b c d Rodriguez, Priscilla (28 March 2014). "5 Celebrities Who Had a Quinceañera!". Latina. Archived from the original on 21 March 2017.
36. ^ Stone, Natalie (10 November 2016). "Eva Longoria on Why She 'Couldn't Wait' to Pay for Her Own Quinceañera — and How It Empowered Her". People.
37. ^ "Eva Longoria Worked At Wendy's Illegally To Pay For Her Quinceañera – CONAN on TBS". YouTube. 9 May 2018. Archived from the original on 13 November 2021.
38. ^ Raisa, Francia [@franciaraisa] (2 June 2015). "At the end of the day it's out of love #WTFrancia #parents #quinceñera #takemebacktuesday thanks for listening!pic.twitter.com/P3ISl9ep56" (Tweet) - via Twitter.
39. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
40. ^ Curiel, Kamren (22 October 2012). "Bella Thorne Embraces Her Roots With Star-Studded Quinceañera". Latina. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012.
41. ^ "Justina Machado On Her Quinceañera, Rita Moreno's Abs And 'One Day At A Time'". NPR.org. 2 February 2017.
42. ^ Machado, Justina [@JustinaMachado] (30 January 2014). "My first #tbt.. Who else had a Quinceañera?!! #chitowndays...pic.twitter.com/K6TPNMfGKJ" (Tweet) - via Twitter.
43. ^ "This Is How Justina Machado Went From Being A Bank Teller To Penelope In 'One Day At A Time'". we are mitú. 17 January 2019. Archived from the original on 4 February 2019.
44. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
45. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
46. ^ Fernandez, Maria Elena (6 January 2017). "One Day at a Time's Justina Machado on Getting Her First Leading TV Role, Fidel Castro, and Her Low-Budget Quinceañera". Vulture. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
47. ^ Madrina, Quince (16 December 2012). "Fans mourn the loss of Jenni Rivera". Quinceanera.
48. ^ "America Ferrera gets the quinceañera she never had". HOLA. 9 October 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
49. ^ "Quinceañera Stories". Color in Colorado. 29 April 2015. Archived from the original on 20 April 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
50. ^ Ayala, Jennifer (Fall 2009). "Once upon a Quinceañera: Coming of Age in the USA, and: Hijas Americanas: Beauty, Body Image, and Growing up Latina (review)". NSWA Journal. 21 (3). Johns Hopkins University Press: 203–206. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
51. ^ "Five Quinceañeras shine in new HBO series '15: A Quinceañera Story'". NBC News. 20 December 2017. Archived from the original on 19 April 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
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Bibliography

* Alvarez, Julia (2007). Once Upon a Quinceañera: Coming of Age in the USA. New York City: Viking. ISBN 978-0-670-03873-2.
* Mitchell, Claudia & Reid-Walsh, Jacqueline (2008). Girl Culture: Studying Girl Culture – A Readers' Guide. ABC-CLIO. pp. 493–496\. ISBN 978-0-313-33909-7. (online copy, p. 493, at Google Books)
* Stavans, Ilans, ed. (2010). Quinceañera. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-0-313-35824-1.

## External links

[edit]

* Media related to Quinceañeras at Wikimedia Commons
* Films and videos of Texas Quinceañeras at Texas Archive of the Moving Image

Authority control databases

National|

* United States
* Israel

Other|

* Yale LUX

*[c.]: circa