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In Hispanic culture, girls celebrate their 15th birthday in grand style
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| H&N photo by Sarah Stratton Crystal Betancourt's quinceanera Saturday was held at the Klamath County Fairgrounds. |
Published September 19, 2005
By ANGELA TORRETTA
H&N Staff Writer
Fifteen-year-old Crystal Betancourt looks like a miniature bride in a white gown with a sweeping skirt, surrounded by a handful of her "damas," a sort of lady-in-waiting.
It's Saturday afternoon and Crystal and her family have just returned from Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and are among the first to arrive at the main building at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.
Saturday was Crystal's quinceañera, the traditional Hispanic coming-out party for girls when they turn 15.
They expected to party until well after midnight, dancing to a band that played country and salsa and eating a dinner of marinated meats.
Crystal was born in Klamath Falls and attends Mazama High School, but she's proud to celebrate the tradition prevalent in her parents' - Saul and Rosina - native Mexico.
"I think it's good," she said. "You don't forget where you came from. You don't forget your past."
Dora Hoffmeister works for the Women, Infants and Children program and does a lot of translating locally. She attended Saturday's festivities.
She said growing up, having a quinceañera party was only second in importance to getting married.
"You dream of being a quinceañera, and then you dream of being married in the Catholic Church," she said. "Those are the two dreams you have."
The quinceañera is similar to a wedding party. The quinceañera, which is also the name for the girl who is celebrating, wears a formal gown, often white, and her damas wear gowns similar to bridesmaids. The chambeláns, young male escorts, also are formally attired.
The day starts with a Mass, followed by a dinner and party. At the party, Crystal's father presented her with a pair of high heels and her mother slipped a tiara onto her head. Her older sisters gave her a baby doll. All of the gifts represent a coming of age, and signal the transition from childhood in maturity.
Crystal and her escort, along with her damas and chambeláns, danced the first waltz and during the second she danced with her father, and her mother danced with Crystal's escort.
The party was huge, but the parents don't pay for most of it. Padrinos, who serve as godparents, sponsor different parts of the party. For instance, six people may contribute to the cost of a limousine that ferries Crystal around. Others may pay for a mariachi band.
Hoffmeister attended another quinceañera in September where she was asked to provide souvenirs.
"It's an honor for them to ask you," she said.
Hoffmeister said it's events like these that keep culture alive, and they are also a good way for other people to learn about Mexican culture.
"It's just exciting to show the community our culture," she said. "Our culture is very beautiful."
By ANGELA TORRETTA
H&N Staff Writer
Fifteen-year-old Crystal Betancourt looks like a miniature bride in a white gown with a sweeping skirt, surrounded by a handful of her "damas," a sort of lady-in-waiting.
It's Saturday afternoon and Crystal and her family have just returned from Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and are among the first to arrive at the main building at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.
Saturday was Crystal's quinceañera, the traditional Hispanic coming-out party for girls when they turn 15.
They expected to party until well after midnight, dancing to a band that played country and salsa and eating a dinner of marinated meats.
Crystal was born in Klamath Falls and attends Mazama High School, but she's proud to celebrate the tradition prevalent in her parents' - Saul and Rosina - native Mexico.
"I think it's good," she said. "You don't forget where you came from. You don't forget your past."
Dora Hoffmeister works for the Women, Infants and Children program and does a lot of translating locally. She attended Saturday's festivities.
She said growing up, having a quinceañera party was only second in importance to getting married.
"You dream of being a quinceañera, and then you dream of being married in the Catholic Church," she said. "Those are the two dreams you have."
The quinceañera is similar to a wedding party. The quinceañera, which is also the name for the girl who is celebrating, wears a formal gown, often white, and her damas wear gowns similar to bridesmaids. The chambeláns, young male escorts, also are formally attired.
The day starts with a Mass, followed by a dinner and party. At the party, Crystal's father presented her with a pair of high heels and her mother slipped a tiara onto her head. Her older sisters gave her a baby doll. All of the gifts represent a coming of age, and signal the transition from childhood in maturity.
Crystal and her escort, along with her damas and chambeláns, danced the first waltz and during the second she danced with her father, and her mother danced with Crystal's escort.
The party was huge, but the parents don't pay for most of it. Padrinos, who serve as godparents, sponsor different parts of the party. For instance, six people may contribute to the cost of a limousine that ferries Crystal around. Others may pay for a mariachi band.
Hoffmeister attended another quinceañera in September where she was asked to provide souvenirs.
"It's an honor for them to ask you," she said.
Hoffmeister said it's events like these that keep culture alive, and they are also a good way for other people to learn about Mexican culture.
"It's just exciting to show the community our culture," she said. "Our culture is very beautiful."
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