How to plan the perfect Quinceanera in 10 easy steps
What is a Quinceanera? What is a typical Quinceanera timeline?
A quinceanera is a birthday celebration for a girl’s 15th birthday marking her passage from a girl to a grown woman. This typically religious and social event is celebrated in Mexico, Latin America, as well as Latin communities across the United States. The overall Quinceanera is typically made up of two parts, the mass at a church followed by the Quinceanera celebration party.
After the religious church service, or mass, the reception typically begins with lots of food, drinks, and later with music, party and a latin DJ.
Here’s what a typical quinceanera reception celebration timeline looks like to help you plan your perfect event in 10 easy steps:
Introduction of the Court of Honor
To begin the Quinceanera, the court of honor will enter first. Sometimes they will enter to individual songs in a particular order, wear funny glasses or extra accessories, and even announced by name. Help your DJ by providing an organized list of names and preplanned songs.
Formal Entry and Presentation of the Quinceanera
This is the big moment! The Quinceanera will typically enter the hall to be formally introduced with a special song, and may even be accompanied by an escort or a parent.
Crowning of the Quinceanera
When the Quinceanera is crowned, the headpiece worn is replaced with a tiara or a crown. The crowning is typically done by the mother of the Quinceanera, so a song that is special to them is played at that time.
Presentation of the Last Doll
Symbolic of a new phase in life growing to maturity, the Quinceanera will be presented with her favorite doll by her father and pass this on to a younger sibling. A song special to the Quinceanera and father will be played at this time.
Changing of the Shoes
This tradition is typically done with the father as well. He will change her shoes from low heels to high heels symbolizing her passage to womanhood.
Quinceanera Waltz
This is one of the main events of a Quinceanera known as the Waltz, el bals, or el vals in some places. Months of practice will take place to make sure the dance is done well, usually first with her father, and then sometimes her court escort and remaining members of her court. This event usually begins with a special dance between the father and the Quinceanera and then goes into the Waltz (bals or vals).
Surprise Dance
A totally optional event, but the surprise dance at a Quinceanera can be so fun! This is typically performed after the Waltz, the Quinceanera and court will quickly change and return with new outfits. This dance is usually well rehearsed and prepared for months The Quinceanera and her damas will change as well.
The Toast and Thank You
In honor of the Quinceanera a toast is done in her name and is done usually by the father before or after dinner is served. The parents take time to thank all of the padrinos, attendees, and say a few words for the Quinceanera. The padrinos may also come up and say a few encouraging words to the Quinceanera. The special moment is when the Quinceanera decides to say a few words on her own as this is significant that it symbolizes her first words to her community as a young woman.
Cake Cutting
The cake cutting is usually done after dinner, or halfway into dancing. This is a more flexible event and can really done whenever is best for the Quinceanera.
Celebration
Finally, the party! Take time here to discuss with you band or DJ your must play songs (and do not play songs).
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About DJ Drew
DJ Drew is a Latin DJ that is regularly booked for various high profile corporate and private events throughout the Salt Lake City, Utah area as well as performances at several large clubs and venues where he has opened for Flor De Toloache, Las Cafeteras, La Santa Cecilia, De La Ghetto, Don Omar, Fulanito, 24 Horas, Sensato, El Chevo, Sito Rocks, David Rolas, Nayi, Luis Coronel and more.
In addition to airing every weekend on the Ritmo Latino radio show on Salt Lake City's Latino 106.3 FM, you can find DJ Drew performing weekly throughout Salt Lake City nightclubs mixing the best in Latin and Top 40 music.
