Quinceanera

You would think that after living here for six years, we would be done with all our "firsts".  Like the first time we ran out of water with a group, or the first time a cell phone was flushed down the toilet, or our first wedding (in fact we've had three).  Oh no, yesterday Aurelio our guard hosted a Quinceanera for his youngest daughter and her older sister, who turned eighteen.

From the vast resources on the internet, "In the Latino culture, the Quinceañera is the tradition of celebrating a young girl's coming of age upon reaching her fifteenth birthday (or Quince Años). The special day may include a Catholic Mass of Thanksgiving and a reception afterwards, or simply a 15th birthday party with all the frills. Either way, it recognizes a young girl's road to maturity and there are many different traditions that are very important in the planning of this special event.

The Quinceañera, as the birthday girl is referred to, has traditionally worn a pink dress to symbolize the purity of her youth. Recently, it has become much more common for the young lady to choose a white dress for the same symbolism, mimicking the beautiful white gowns of Western brides, or to choose a vibrant gown in a color she simply enjoys. 

A popular tradition is for the young lady to wear flat-heeled shoes to her ceremony and for the Changing of the Shoes to take place at the reception after Mass. The Quinceañera's father (or male filling the role) changes his daughter's shoes from the flat- heeled shoes of a child to the high-heeled shoes of a young lady, symbolizing her transition on this day.

Nathaly, the older daughter asked Jonathan if he would be her escort to the event.  For the last month the two couples have been practicing the waltz so after the traditional changing of the shoes they could dance their first dance as a young woman.  He did an outstanding job and made us very proud.

Diana, Jonaton, Rebecca (in front holding the shoes for Diana), Aurelio,
Nathaly, Jonathan and Amy (holding the shoes for Nathaly) 

Aurelio the Father changing Nathaly's shoes from flats to high heals

Head table

Amy and Rebecca
future Quinceaneritas
If their parents only knew how fast the time will fly!

Think you know us :)