1. By Maison, Nadia, Ethan, and Jelena

2.  For their sweet 16 party, the families do the
full-blown Quinceanera traditions-the
religious ceremony the reception, the tiara
with the number 16, and more. The
Quinceanera tradition comes from
Mexico, Puerto Rico and South America.

3.  Most Quinceaneras are very fancy events. At
one time 14 girls and 14 boys made up the
court of honor.

4.  The court walks down the aisle together in
pairs followed by the Quinceanera and her
escort. Every guest gets a piece of cake.

5.  The customs highlight
God, family, friends, music, food and dance.
The boys wear tuxedos.

6. Quinceanera Tradition
By
Seth, Montrell, Meadow, and Kayla

7. This celebration honors the beginning of a girl becoming a
woman (or a boy becoming a man.)

8. The birthday girl wears a white dress, which looks like a
wedding dress.

9. She also wears a special necklace her parents have bought
her for this special day. She often wears a teara.

10. The Quinceanera tradition celebrates the young girl (la
Quinceanera), and recognizes her journey from childhood
to maturity.

11. The mix of family and friends, young and old, near and far-
all combine to make the celebration unique and special.

12. There are many traditions throughout the quinceanera
celebration.

13. Interestingly, many families today are merging their
Hispanic and American heritages by choosing to
celebrate a Sweet Sixteen.

14. One of the most popular is
the Changing of the Shoes.

15. For their 16 party, the
families do the full-blown
quinceanera traditions.

16. It’s from Mexico, Puerto
Rican, and South
America.