After mass, a party is held that includes many different symbolic activities.
The first symbolic activity I saw at Z's quinceañera was a processional. This was led by her godmothers, then a little boy as a ring bearer, a little girl as the shoe carrier, her family and then lastly Z. Z wore a beautiful blue dress to match the blue and gold theme she had picked out. Traditionally, quinceañera dresses are full and wide, this started back in the 1800s as girls were meant to wear lavish designs as they were introduced into society.
The next symbolic activity was the changing of the shoes. Girls will often process into their quinceañera party wearing flat shoes. Their family will help them out of the flat shoes and into a pair of high heels. This change is another symbolism for a young girl stepping into adulthood.
Following the shoe change, Z's mom placed a ring on her right ring finger symbolizing that the next time she will get a ring will be from her future life partner and that ring will be worn on her left ring finger. These two activities were followed by speeches made by Z's godmothers, her mother and Z herself.
After the speeches came the dances. The dances are usually a traditional waltz done with Z's mother and her brother. Once the dances concluded Z made another speech and popped a bottle of sparkling grape juice. Everyone cheered and toasted to Z. Food was served and shortly after that the dancing began and went late into the night.
A quinceañera honors a young girl's shift from childhood into adulthood. While this is a very historical tradition it has become more modern over the years.
