History of Quinceneras

Introduction: 

Having a Quinceañera is an important part of Mexican culture because it represents a young girl’s transformation into becoming a woman. This is symbolic of a womens readiness to begin dating. The chambalans represent the friendship shared with the celebrant as she enters womanhood. The ring represents, the necklace representsThe necklace contains a cross signifying her faith in God and in herself. The dress highlights the fact that the girl is about to make a beautiful transition into a more mature and graceful woman.

Symbols of the Quince: 

These are given to the quincenera on the day of her celebration:

The Muneca

La última muñeca (Spanish for "the last doll") is a tradition of the Quinceañera, the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America.

La cadena

The necklace contains a cross signifying her faith in God and in herself.

El Anillo 

The ring represents the infinite circle of God's love and has to be worn on the right-hand ring finger. When the ring is given, the Quinceañera may read a verse or sing a song about the promise made to God. The cross symbolizes faith in Christ.

Los Zapatos

The changing of shoes- The father (or close male relative) of the Quinceañera ceremoniously changes her flat shoes to high heels. This symbolizes her transformation from a little girl to a young lady.

A Biblia 

The Quinceañera refers both to a coming of age ceremony on a girl's 15th birthday as well as to the celebrant herself. The celebrant dedicates herself to the Lord and receives gifts that are religious in nature, that will remind her of the vows she is making to the Lord.

A Quinceanera dress is supposed to highlight the fact that the girl is about to make a beautiful transition into a more mature and graceful woman. The dress should show how independent you are as well to showcase that you are ready to take on the freedom and responsibility of becoming a woman.

As researchers we asked womxn who have quinces to please send us their information about the panning and meaning behind it. We have received a response from Vanessa Zavala and this is the spotlight on her:

• Where was your quinceanera located? 

  • “The location was in the backyard of my grandmother's home.” 

• What were the challenges that you faced planning for your quince?

  • “The IDES hall wasn't up for service. So my family had to find tarps and flooring for the setup.”

• What made you decide to have a quinceanera? 

  • “My cousins before me had it, and I was excited to have such a big party. I did not know that it was going to be stressful.” 

• What was your favorite memory of that day?

  • “My favorite memory was when there was a long line waiting for popcorn and cotton candy, and I just cut right in front of them.”

• Do you recommend that every 15 year old womxn have one?

  • “I would say yes because of its culture and tradition over the past few years. However, I would like to tell you. You can avoid all the headaches of that day and not be stressed.”

Quinceaneras have increased in size, attendance and presence in Pescadero within the last fifteen years. One quinceanera in particular, 15 years ago, there were shots fired outside the I.D.E.S HALL as a quinceañera was in process. No one was harmed, but everyone there was left in shock. After this occurrence, the I.D.E.S HALL no longer approved of quinceañera parties at their venue. Now quince’s are majorly celebrated at a new located called “La Bodega” 

Why did people use the ides? Mostly to host parties like a quinceanera because the inside of the ides hall had a lot of space to host a big party. Lots of events like the art show during the summer there only using the ides for events and small things for the community.

As we analyze this data we have learned that it's hard to find a venue to host a quince these days. Therefore, this means that a lot of young girls who have grown up in Pescadero, most likely will have to celebrate it somewhere else and won't be as special. We feel it would be beneficial to keep convincing women to do their quince in order to continue recording the history of quinces in Pescadero.