It’s a joyful, happy and emotional day for the quinceanera and her family members as they foresee their daughter grow in wisdom, knowledge and experience. It’s an important day for the fifteen year old. For the first time, the Quinceanera addresses the congregation in the church and happily announces her metamorphosis from a little girl to a woman.
The Quinceanera celebrations hold social and religious significance. The celebration begins with a Church ceremony followed by a grand party in honour of the Quinceanera in the evening. All her family and friends are present to make her birthday an exuberant affair. Such a magnificent celebration calls for her to dress up beautifully.
The El Salvadorian tradition requires the birthday girl to wear a rose colored dress. Charming and classy pink and red prom dresses makes wonderful choices for the Quinceanera. There are innumerable choices for Quinceanera dresses. It’s not so easy to choose a dress for your Quinceanera. It needs careful selection.
To begin with, the Quinceanera should plan her shopping trips with a friend or family member. It’s a good idea to take someone along with you so that you can seek the other person’s suggestions and ideas to find a perfect dress for your special day. Check out a number of stores before deciding upon any dress. Comfort is an important factor which should not be overlooked. A comfortable dress will make the Quinceanera appear beautiful and confident. The Quinceanera dress should reflect the personal style, elegance and beauty of the fifteen year old.
The Quinceanera will be expected to wear a gown for the occasion. The gown can be of any color. It could be white, pastel shades or any other color that she prefers. But make sure that the color opted for perfectly defines her personal style. This is an important decision to make so don’t make haste. Be patient while you choose colors. The Quinceanera should appear like a princess. She should feel special about herself on the big day.
As far as the formality of the occasion is concerned it can be anywhere from highly formal to a casual affair, depending on the family’s decision. Dressed in a beautiful gown she should radiate happiness and express gratitude to all her guests.
During the course of the evening party, there are little rituals that are performed to represent the change that has occurred in the girl’s life. A porcelain doll is gifted by the quinceanera to her younger sister, symbolizing the things she is leaving behind. The Quinceanera’s father also changes her shoes from flats to heels. The first dance is performed by the birthday girl and her father, followed by a “chambelan” or boyfriend, followed by all the other boys.
