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Quinceanera A quinceanera (pronounced: kin-seen-niera) is the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in the Latino community. This is a family celebration that marks the girl's transition from childhood to young womanhood. The birthday girl, known as the quinceanera, is typically adorned with elegant jewelry and makeup. The quinceanera is also expected to wear a formal evening dress; traditionally a long, elegant ball gown chosen by the girl and most often, her mother, according to her color and style of favor. In the Mexican tradition, when the teenager is Catholic, the quinceanera celebration begins with a thanksgiving mass. She arrives at the celebration accompanied by her parents, godparents and court of honor (composed of selected peers). At this religious mass, a rosary, or sometimes a necklace with a locket or pendant depicting Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is presented to the teenager by her godparents; such a necklace having been previously blessed by the church clergy. She is also awarded a tiara; the tiara serves as a reminder that to her loved ones, especially her immediate family, the quinceanera will always be a princess; however, some also see it as denoting that she is a "princess" before God and the world. After this, the girl may leave her bouquet of flowers on the altar for the Virgin Mary. After the thanksgiving mass, guests gather for a reception where the remaining celebratory events meant to honor the quinceafiera will take place, including the rendering of gifts. During the reception, the birthday girl usually dances a traditional waltz with her father to a song chosen by both that speaks about the occasion and their relationship. Then her father passes her over to her chosen escort, and afterwards continues the dance with the rest of her court of honor. Often this section of the celebration is previously practiced and/or choreographed, often weeks in advance, sometimes even with months of anticipation. The basic reception consists of six major parts with dances taking place while a traditional Mexican meal is served: 1. The formal entry - A grand entrance made by the Quinceafiera once most guests have been seated. 2. The formal toast - An optional but usually featured part of the reception, generally initiated by the parents or godparents of the birthday girl. 3. The first dance - Usually a waltz where the girl dances, starting with her father. 4. The family dance - Usually a waltz involving just the immediate relatives, the court of honor, the godparents and the closest friends of the girl. 5. The preferred song - Any modern song particularly enjoyed by the Quinceanera is played and danced. 6. The general dance - Also usually a waltz, where everyone dances to a musical waltz tune.