On December 28, 2005, my family and I celebrated my fifteenth birthday. Why is this so special? Well, according to Hispanic tradition when a girl turns fifteen, it is time for her to go from “a little girl to a young woman.” It is like the traditional sweet sixteen in the American culture but much more formal. The celebration is called a quinceanera.

The ceremony is elaborate and requires the girl to choose a court to accompany her. I had fifteen chambelanes (escorts) and fifteen damas (maids of honor) for my court. The chambelanes wore black pants and a light blue shirt with a black tie. The damas wore long light blue dresses. They each represented a year in my life.

My court met at my grandmother’s house in Michocan, Mexico, along with the mariachi. They walked with me to the church for a special service with my family and friends. After the church service we all walked to the place where my reception was going to take place, where we ate and listened to the mariachi play. Afterwards we got ready to dance the traditional waltz. My entrance onto the dance floor was where my parents officially presented me to society.

Then I did the entrance with my court. I danced with the dolls that I had received from my parents, cousin, and my friend. The dolls represented “my last little girl gifts.” Young children were told to form a circle around me while I danced in the middle. When I was done I sat down in the middle and my crown and scepter were given to me. They also changed my shoes, gave me fifteen roses, and a Bible.

After that was done I danced the rest of the waltz and gave out my roses to the chambelanes. Then I danced with my parents and other family members. When all the traditional things were done, the dance began and ended at midnight.

Since I was born in America, this celebration helped me learn more about me and my family. It also helped me appreciate and learn more about my Hispanic culture. I know that I will always cherish the memories that I brought back with me.