The Fiesta de Quince Años celebrates a girl’s 15th birthday as the transition into young womanhood. Historically, during their first 14 years of life, girls were taught the life skills of cooking and weaving, as well as about childbearing and rearing. The elderly women of their community took on the role of mentors, to prepare these young women for their future role as a wife.
Similar historic customs can be found in Spain and Portugal, as well as in France. The custom was made popular by European immigrants to the New World. Likewise, the Aztec and other indigenous people had similar customs, which were ultimately combined with Spanish-Catholic traditions. The original purpose of the quinceañera was to celebrate a young woman’s passage into adulthood and present her to potential suitors for marriage.
Today, it’s celebrated all across the Americas, from Quinceanera in Chicago to Mexico City. As more Latinos immigrated to the United States, they brought the quince tradition with them. Once poor migrants eventually got good jobs and were able to throw a big, beautiful Quinceañera. The quinceañera in the United States is generally fashioned around the traditions of Mexico. The girl is dressed elegantly, and by tradition, this should be the first time she wears makeup.
While the average cost of a modest and traditional quinceañera is around $500–600, an extravagant quinceañera can cost well over $1,000. The Quinceañera has evolved from a simple celebration featuring homemade food and cake to an occasion for a very big and elaborate party. Families often employ event planners and develop the Quince around a theme, such as from the Aztec culture. The celebration may begin with a special entrance by the young lady, followed by dancing. The event is captured by professional photographers as well as on video.
