Quinceaños, If you have ever wonder about this exciting celebration and don’t have a clear understanding about why Quinceañera’s are held, this information is provided to give additional insight into the wonderful world of Quinceañeras. The celebration is connected often times with a belief system and carries religious significance for Spanish-speaking Roman Catholics. The term Quinceaños refers to the birthday of the celebrant, and the term Quinceañera refers to the celebrant herself. This celebration is held on the 15th birthday of the celebrant and the celebration begins with a religious ceremony in which the Quinceañera affirms her faith. It is customary for the Quinceañera to receive gifts that are religious in nature, such as a cross or medal, a Bible (prayer book), rosary, or scepter, and these gifts are often a part of the ceremony. After the conclusion of the Roman Catholic religious ceremony, a reception is held either in the Quinceañera's home or in a banquet hall. Decor of this reception often resembles that of a wedding but can also include another theme selected by the Quinceañera. If the Quinceañera selects the more formal theme the Quinceañera's court is typically comprised of her padrinos (godparents) and a Chambelan, a young man who is her companion and date for the evening. The Chambelan typically has the first dance with the Quinceañera, a traditional ballroom waltz called a "Waltz". The Chambelan initiates the Vals by requesting a dance with the Quinceañera to a classical song, followed by dances with her requested by her father or another close male relative such as an uncle or older brother, and then her godfather. Following these initial presentation dances, the guests join the dance floor as well. There are sometimes slight differences with cultures and sometimes the Latino cultures have the girl's first dance begin with her father as her partner, and then he is cut in on by her escort. . These other traditions can also be included in the celebration. 1-Candle-lighting ceremony in which each of the 15 candles holds a special meaning. The first candle is for the girl's parents. The second candle is for the siblings and if there are no siblings, then this candle can represent the grandparents. Candles 3, 4, 5 and 6 are for the rest of the family members. Candles 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 are for friends and Candle 14 is for the girl's best friend. The 15th candle is for a significant male, such as a boyfriend or good friend. 2-Shoe ceremony. The shoe ceremony can be another element of a Quinceañeras where she would do the following: the birthday girl sits down in a chair while her grandfather/godfather or father approaches her with high heels on a decorative pillow. The girl would traditionally be wearing flat shoes, such as slippers, and the designated person ceremoniously helps her into her new high heels. This is symbolic of the girl transitioning into womanhood. It symbolizes that now she has become a lady. 3-Tiara ceremony. This ceremony is similar to the shoe ceremony, except the father/grandfather approaches with a tiara instead of shoes. He places it on the birthday girl's head to symbolize her becoming a woman. Sometimes this is combined with the shoe ceremony, so that two people approach the birthday girl, one with a pillow with high heels, and the other with a pillow with a tiara. Godparents are especially important in this celebration and play a significant role in the preparation and participation in the Quinceaños, often handling arrangements for the party, church and the venue and details for the celebration. The event symbolizes the culmination of their responsibility in the church to oversee the religious upbringing of their goddaughter.

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