15 Reasons Why to Celebrate a Quinceanera of a Girl's 15th Birthday

LOS ANGELES, CA (FOX 11) - 15 Reasons Why to Celebrate a "Quinceanera"
Celebration of a Girl's 15th Birthday
By Laura Diaz

If you heard a lot of hooting and hollering Saturday night in the Santa Clarita Valley, it may have been our Diaz Family Quinceanera Celebration. Madison turned 15 and we celebrated her in grand style!

Number 1 : The Meaning: It is a beautiful intersection of faith, family and culture. Our family & close friends met this weekend at the Catholic parish in which I was raised, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, in Santa Clarita. We were there for a special mass held in honor of my goddaughter, Madison. It was followed by a festive party in her honor.

Number 2: Community: It takes a village to celebrate the girl of honor: family, godparents, padrinos aka sponsors, friends and church clergy. All contribute to make this day special and meaningful. Almost a hundred people celebrated Madison on a sweltering hot day in Santa Clarita. It was a wonderful collection of family and close friends.

Number 3: Tradition: Quinceaneras are a centuries old tradition, celebrated all over Latin America. Here in Southern California, many of the celebrants tend to be Mexican-American. In ancient times, the girl was celebrated as being of marrying age. But of course, in 2018, times have dramatically changed. Traditionally the princess will have a court of a half dozen, but Madison decided on just her best friend, Ella. As is custom, both girls wore a light color dress. ( More on their beautiful dresses later.) They are both great students. The sky is the limit for their education and goals.

Number 4: Mass: A special service is held in honor of the girl to mark this transition. On Saturday, we walked up the church aisle in "twos." Madison was the last to enter. Our hearts were full as she walked up to the altar, wearing her lovely dress and looking the picture of poise and elegance. Prayers and communion were dedicated to her on this special day. We prayed for her and blessed her as she began this new chapter in her life; transitioning from young girl to young woman.

Number Five: Family. People traveled far and wide to celebrate the guest of honor. Our family is large, and she is loved by so many people! Both sides of the family there for her fun, action packed day.

Number Six: The Dress. A beautiful formal gown. Tends to be light in color. Madison chose a blush colored full length dress with delicate beading. Her BF Ella chose a short dress, in the same color palette. The padrinos helped pay for the dress. Her young boy cousins wore bow ties in the same color scheme.

Number 7: The Food: a magnificent feast. We enjoyed homemade Mexican food, where the table stretched for days. It was delicious and even more more memorable, because it was made by family, with love.

Number 8 : The Love: Great stories of Madison's growing up years. Number of us gave speeches at the party. Much laugher ( and some tears) as we celebrated this young woman
coming of age.

Number 9: The music.There was traditional vibrant Mariachi music and of course pop dance music.
In our case, a DJ provided the jam! Fun! All ages hit the dance floor until late into the night.

Number 10: The "First Dance" Madison's first dance was with her big brother Braiden. So sweet to watch them on the dance floor. He's going off to college soon and we are very proud of both of them.

Number 11 : The "Last Doll." This presentation symbolizes the transition from girlhood to womanhood. The beautiful doll was dressed in the same blush color as Madison and her friend, Ella. The doll was given to Madison & then presented to a young girl at the party. Very, very sweet.

Number 12 : The Generations. It was wonderful to see all ages celebrating this "coming of age" event. As I looked around the room, the guests ranged in age from newborn babies to grandparents.

Number 13 : The Mementos: Each table containing personalized Quinceanera gifts wrapped in toile, a rosary, candy with Madison's name, and the date inscribed on it.

Number 14 : The Ambience: When the backyard is transformed into a peach colored swath of sheer fabric and twinkly lights, balloons and flowers. The ultimate mood enhancer? Happy, warm, fuzzy feelings in the room.

Number Fifteen: The Memories. Madison says she will always always treasure this celebration. Her mom said it was truly "magical."

So ---- Good luck Madison-- and to all the other girls turning 15! #Happyquinceanera #FOX11forLife