A quince is a very big day for a quinceañera. That day is spent celebrating her coming of age with family and friends. When turning 15 for the Hispanic/Latino community it is very special as it symbolizes a girl going into womanhood.  This is why it is a big thing for us to celebrate, traditionally with a ceremony at a Catholic church and a party.

The quinceañera wears a big ball gown dress accompanied by a headpiece, usually a crown. Many traditions come along with this celebration. Like the father-mother-daughter dance, and the last doll which symbolizes how her childhood is ending. And there’s also a Brindis, which is the toast made to the quinceañera, and with some decorated glasses for everyone to invite the guests in to congratulate her as well.

That day is very special, but yet very chaotic, because one is all over the place from the nerves. Although this is a very long process and takes months to plan it, we usually still forget about some things the day of. At the end of the day though, it is all about celebrating and enjoying your special day.

Kimberlyn Sosa who is a junior said “The day of my quince, I felt nervous, rushed, and excited because it was very stressful trying to get everything done, plus trying to make sure there was nothing left behind. Especially when it came to my damas and chambelanes, Overall it was a very fun day being with friends and family.”

Joana Flores who is a junior said “One thing I would probably do differently would be to wear my dress for a longer time, and another thing is I would dance with more people and be more outgoing and take more pictures. But in the end I had fun and I enjoyed my party.”

A lot of young girls are indecisive about whether or not they want to have one, due to many reasons like the cost of everything or debating if they want the party or usually a car instead.

Lorena Orellana who is a junior said “I didn’t originally want one, but then I started thinking about the other options I was getting from my parents, and I didn’t think they were the best. And when they brought up the idea of having a quince, it seemed like a better opportunity since I would have a whole day dedicated to my coming of age party. It took many months to plan, and I appreciated the people that helped me. Even though it was stressful and we had our ups and downs, it was all worth it in the end, because I had a great time. I am very thankful for my parents for giving me the opportunity to have that experience.”

Many also enjoy being a part of a quince. Alexis Vazquez who is a junior said “It’s a fun experience; you get to meet new people and like coming towards the day of the quince it can get nerve wracking. You get mixed emotions, like you’re happy excited, and nervous all at the same time. But in the end of the day it’s a very fun experience, like you get to dance with new people and have a nice night. It’s definitely something you want to experience.”

Are you currently planning a Quinceañera? We’ll be glad to hear all your responses in the comments!