Quinceanera - A Mexican Tradition

Many cultures have their own special traditions.  One such tradition found in the Mexican Cultures is a Quinceanera.  When a young lady reaches fifteen, the family may plan to host a special birthday party.  It is a party to celebrate the young lady reaching maturity.  Recently, Elemintal Photography had the honor of photographing one such day.  Here are a few photographs we took:

15PLopez255 15PLopez423 15PLopez486-2 15PLopez511 15PLopez756 15PLopez873-2 15PLopez917 The event typically begins with Mass as the local Catholic Church.  Once it has ended photographs are typically taken of not only family but also friends.  The young lady will often have up to 14 attendants (called her Court) and she rounds out the number to 15 symbolizing her age.  The Mass is followed by a Fiesta and sometimes a dance by the Court.  At this event, she requested her Uncles and Cousins dance with her as well.  Once the formal dances were completed, a birthday cake was presented and cut for everyone to enjoy.  Once everyone had eaten their fill of cake, the dance floor was opened up for all guests to enjoy.

She is such a lovely young lady, both in looks and in kind heart.  We enjoyed getting to know her friends as well.   Happy Birthday!