Quinceañera

​Customs and traditions

​The ceremony - the quinceanera celebration traditionally begins with a religious ceremony. This typically begins as a mass at a Catholic church and it's followed by a reception party. The reception - is a festive gathering of friends and family that includes music, food, dancing and several cermonial traditions. The father /daughter dance – much like a wedding reception, the father and the quinceanera share a dance.

Multiple Choice

Traditionally the quinceañera festivities begin with

• A religious ceremony

• Professional pictures

• An elegant ball gown

• A choreographed dance

​Customs and traditions

​One of the important moments at a quinceañera is the father daughter dance.

​

The father and daughter dance is one of the most emotional parts of a traditional quinceañera.

​Customs and traditions

​The main role of the court is to perform the first big dance of the party following the Quinceañeras girl's dance with her father. The court dance is generally a choreographed waltz that can incorporate both traditional and more modern dance steps. The following are some examples of court dancing the waltz.

Multiple Choice

The main role of the quinceañeras court is...

• Do everything the quinceañera tells them to do

• Bring presents to the quinceañera

• Dance a choreographed dance

• Decorate the ballroom

Multiple Choice

What does the changing of shoes represent?

• This change is a symbol that the birthday girl can dance with whomever she wants.

• This change is the symbol of the transformation from a girl to a young lady.

• This change is a symbol that the birthday girl can do the Macarena.

• This change is a symbol that the birthday girl doesn't have to dance anymore.

​Customs and traditions

​Some of the traditional gifts include a Bible or prayer book, rosary beads, flower bouquet, a tiara and jewelry such as a ring. The most traditional of gifts is a doll replica of the quinceañera. The last doll is a decorative keepsake that the quinceañera will gift to a younger sibling or a young child relative. The doll symbolizes leaving childhood things behind to take on new roles, new interests and assume responsibility.

Multiple Select

What are some traditional gifts to give a quinceañera?

• Bible

• Tiara

• Ring

• Flower bouquet

Multiple Choice

The Quinceañera is a celebration for what age?

• Veinte años

• Nueve años

• Siete años

• Quince años

Multiple Select

What gift represents the end of childhood?

• Candy

• Fidgets

• Doll

• Play house

Open Ended

If you were going to a "quinceañera" celebration, what kind of gift would offer to the birthday girl?

Open Ended

How does your family celebrate life events?

(Think about birthdays, the arrival of a new family member, holidays, vacations, etc.)