1. A Quinceañera story
By: Jennifer Rosa

2. A quinceañera is a Spanish custom of a young girls passage into womanhood.

3. Invitations are sent out to family and friends.

4. The day of the celebration, the fifteen year old girl gets dressed up like a princess.

5. She has a court of family and close friends.

6. This court performs a dance in her honor.

7. Then she is presented with gifts.

8. There are godparents associated with each gift she is presented.

9. Each set of godparents walks through a decorated entrance as they present their gifts to her.

10. She is presented with a ring.

11. The ring represents the never-ending circle of life and proclaims God’s never-ending love.

12. She is presented with a tiara.

13. The tiara designates her as a queen before God and signifies a triumph over childhood and the ability to face the challenges ahead.

14. She is presented with her first pair of high-heeled shoes.

15. She is presented with a necklace.

16. The necklace proclaims her Christianity.

17. She is also presented with a cake.

18. After her gifts are presented, the evening is continued with great food, music, and family.

19. The quinceañera is a joyous celebration of womanhood.

20. The End