XV Años

Quinceañera rituals welcome young Hispanic women into responsibilities of adulthood.

Published: March 3, 2007

By Malea Hargett
Editor

Laura Gutierrez

Msgr. Scott Friend (above top), diocesan vocations director, distributes Communion to Luna during the Mass. At the Mass, she carried several items she bought in Mexico, including a Bible, rosary and bouquet.

Laura Gutierrez

Like many American teens, Esmeralda Luna wanted to get a car as she approached driving age.

Her parents gave her an alternative, one they believe will strengthen her commitment to Christ and prepare her as she becomes an adult. In the Hispanic culture, when many girls (and occasionally boys) turn 15 years old, a Catholic ceremony and fiesta are held to mark the passing from childhood to more responsibility in the Church and family. It is called a quinceañera, which means "15 years."

"At first I said no, but I just kind of took it in," Esmeralda Luna said about having a quinceañera celebration. "I liked it actually ... Besides the Mass, I liked the dancing."

Quinceañera is a popular tradition in Mexico and Latin American countries and has been brought to the United States by immigrants who want to pass on a part of their culture. It started as a Mayan or Toltec ceremony and later was Christianized.

Today a blessing by a priest or a special Mass is a common practice in the United States. Over the years, the custom has expanded to include sights expected at a Sweet Sixteen party, including fancy dresses, limousines and dancing.

Esmeralda Luna said she has come to understand the wishes of her parents, Deacon Marcelino and Maria Luna, who moved to Arkansas from Mexico in 1990. The Lunas wanted to keep as true as possible to the religious significance of the day.

"The main point is for the parents and godparents to come to church with the child and give thanks to God together," said Marcelino Luna, who works as the diocesan Hispanic ministry director. "We have made it to this point and continue to ask him for guidance for the rest of her life."

For them, it was crucial that their daughter give thanks to God during Mass.

"It is very important for me to not lose focus on the Eucharist," he said. "I wanted to keep focusing on bringing God in the middle of it. Not just the luxury," he said.

In some circles, girls only choose to get a short blessing and the extravagant party overshadows any religious meaning.

On Feb. 17, Luna celebrated her 15th birthday during a Mass celebrated by Father John Antony at St. Edward Church in Little Rock with her godparents, Delfino and Elva Gonzalez of Warren, and 300 friends. Following the Mass, a lunch and dance were held at St. Theresa Church.

A reception for a quinceañera features traditions similar to a wedding. At the beginning of the reception, Esmeralda changed out of her flat shoes and put on high heels.

"It was her first time dancing," Maria Luna said. "In our culture, you don't need to dance before your quinceañera. Your first dance needs to be with your father."

Marcelino Luna also gave his daughter her last doll, symbolizing that she is ready for adult responsibilities.

Marcelino Luna speaks with families all the time about the importance of quinceañera ceremonies, but he knows people can get caught up in the party preparation.

"I had to keep reminding myself to not let it get too far out. It was a challenge. I was putting the brakes on it. We didn't have a limousine. I said no. ... It makes me understand how hard it is to not get caught up in the luxury."

Esmeralda, a ninth grader at Mount St. Mary Academy, prepared for the day by attending three classes with an parish religious educator and going to confession.

"In one of the classes, the lady gave me a story about three girls and how their quinceañera was ... One was really poor. A lot of things in my quinceañera that I wanted I didn't get because of money. The story of the poor girl influenced me."

The day was emotional for Esmeralda and her parents because they were surrounded by their friends from around the diocese.

"I didn't think these people would come," Esmeralda Luna said.

"Every prayer was about Esmeralda and it was an appreciation to God to have her here to this age," Maria Luna said.