My Tucson Wedding

Karina Dabdoub was guest of honor at her Quinceanera, August 2nd, in an outdoor ceremony at Saguaro Buttes, performed by a deacon in her church.

When a girl reaches her fifteenth birthday in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Central and South America, she celebrates her Quinceanera, and her entire family treats her like a princess for her special day. Her many friends and relatives are delighted for the recognition she will receive as she makes the transition from girl to young lady in everyone’s eyes.

Gifts
With much symbolism and significance, gifts are an important part of Quinceanera traditions. They denote the young lady’s acceptance by the church, by God and by the congregation (her family and friends) as a woman. She wears a tiara as a sign of leaving childhood behind and facing the challenges that lay ahead and she is also presented with either a bracelet or ring (or both) representing the unending circle of life. Earrings are a reminder to listen and pay heed to the word of God and the world around her, a cross or medallion signifies faith and a rosary or prayer book are religious resources to always remind the young lady to remember her devotion to God.

Even in the New Millennium, Hispanic girls take their Quinceanera traditions seriously. Sadly, the concept seems to be fading somewhat but many Latin American families encourage the culture to remain alive and well. By the time a fifteenth birthday approaches, the plans are well under way and the community get into the spirit and have a wonderful time.

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