MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Los Quinceaños or a Quinceanera is a rite of passage for Latin girls. A celebration of womanhood at age 15, the event became popular in the United States in the 1930's and is still flourishing today.
In the past, 15 was the age when young women would be married and leave their home. They would also be expected to have children and take care of the household duties. From that day forward the girl's family would look upon her as an adult. However, with the times changing in today's society, girls no longer leave their families at this age.
"Because were are in Iwakuni and so far from our immediate family, Danielle just wanted me to take her to church in her dress," said Daniel J. Ortiz, Aircraft Rescue Fire firefighter and father of Danielle, who just celebrated her Quinceanera.
According to Ortiz, the significance of a Quinceanera these days has turned into a formal birthday party, but is still a firm part of Latin American tradition. The core of the celebration is still present and strong, having the closest of family and friends present to share this growing experience.
Being thousands of miles away from family can at times be hard, but by surrounding yourself with good people, nothing is ever impossible.
"One of the major factors in whether or not to hold the party was the fact that no family was present. In this type of celebration being with family is one of the important factors to making it successful. However, with all the friends that we have aboard the Station, it was just like having a second family around and that made it special," said Ortiz.
In the celebration there is usually a schedule of events that lead up to the finale. On special occasions the day before, the birthday girl is serenaded by Mariachis in front of her house. On the actual day of her birthday a Mass at a church is prepared for her closest family members and friends to attend. While there she will make a promise to the Virgin Mary to be a good woman. During the Mass, blessings from the priest are requested and gifts are also presented to the Quiceanera.
She wears a Tiara symbolizing that she is a princess before God and is also given a bible and rosary, important resources to keep God in her life. A bracelet and a ring are also presented symbolizing the unending circle of life, a cross or medal signifying her faith in God, herself and in her world, then to top it off, earrings are given as a reminder to listen to God.
After the Mass ceremony it is onto the actual party where anyone and everyone is invited to attend.
At the reception, food, music and dancing along with other traditional events take place. First a cake cutting ceremony is held in which 'Happy Birthday' is sang soon after 'Las Mañanitas' is played. After that is done the Quinceanera is sat down and the father performs a speech. After the speech is done the father then asks for her first dance. At this time her father changes her slippers and puts on high heels. This also demonstrates that she is now open to socialize among young adults. After these ceremonies the night is open to dance and celebration.
"Hearing my father's speech had to be my favorite part of the night along with presenting the flowers to the Virgin Mary," said Danielle.