In the US we have the cotillion, in Canada the Sweet 16, in Japan the seijin shiki, and in China the Ji Li but in the Latin American neighborhood a girl’s coming of age celebration is called a quinceanera or Sweet 15. The ceremony marks a girl’s transition from child to young lady, and is very frequent in all Latin American nations. Nevertheless, every single country has its own traditions for the Sweet 15. Those of the Mexican communities in the US will be significantly various than those of the Dominican Republic.
A complete Mass at a Catholic Church marks the beginning of a Dominican quinceanera, and is later followed with a party. No doubt you have received a formal invitation to the event the start off occasions for almost everything will be on it. Keep accurate to conventional Dominican time customs, arrive about an hour soon after what is indicated on the invitation. You could be left sitting there by your self if you do otherwise. At the door of the celebration or reception, be confident to bring along the invitation. Extremely usually these kinds of events are held at a public place, hence invitations are needed to prevent ‘gate-crashers’.
Bring a present, card and be sure it is all wrapped nicely. Silver image frames are well-liked, but use good sense and when in doubt ask a handful of local ladies what they suggest for a quinceanera gift. Most Sweet 15 parties are attended by the whole extended family of the guest of honor, almost the entire school she attends and hundreds of other guests. Make certain you have formal dress prior to you get prepared to go. Gentlemen, be ready to put on your best suit. Ladies should have their hair nicely styled and also have a manicure for the event. In deciding on your dress, be really cautious not to out-do the quinceanera’s dress. Find out ahead of time what her dress colour is and select anything diverse.
At the initial Mass, 14 couples will accompany the quinceanera and her companion to the altar for the entire service. When everybody arrives at the reception, a fantastic deal of dancing should be anticipated. The young guest of honor initial will waltz with her partner, then her father, and probably a couple of uncles. Then it is customary for all 15 male escorts to execute a series of choreographed dances. A variety of music will be played, including classical, salsa and pop.
The reception will also incorporate a big buffet and an open bar. Generally, young men from 13 years will be served alcohol, but the ladies below 18 will abstain. All the guests will be asked to sign an album and will be provided celebration favors as nicely.