Quinceanera History

The quinceanera is a ceremony introduced by the Toltecs of Mexico during the eighth century. The ceremony honors a girl's 15th birthday, a day when she can be debuted into womanhood. Quinceaneras of yesterday consisted of a religious mass where the girl was blessed and asked to affirm her dedication to the Church. After the ceremony, the entire community was invited to a fiesta held in the town square with food, music, and dancing.

Modern quinceanera parties concentrate more on the social aspect with formal receptions, sit-down dinners, and big dances. In order not to lose the religious meaning of the ceremony, modern priests advise taking classes which include Bible study, Hispanic history, quinceanera history, and modern morals.