In US, Latin Coming-of-Age Parties Change with the Times
October 22, 2013
The transition from childhood to adulthood is celebrated in various ways, and at different ages, around the world. In many Latin American cultures, young women mark the transition at age 15. In Los Angeles, the celebration is evolving and becoming a more lavish affair.
At a local quinceanera exposition, 13-year-old Adilen Torres and her mother research prices and gather ideas for her 15th birthday, two years from now. Torres says the celebration will be a time to express her identity.
“I want people to know that what they see on the outside isn’t everything that I am. So I want my quinceanera to represent everything I am,” explained Torres.
Adilen's mom, Nellie Viveros, says the quinceanera is an important part of the Latino heritage.
“Kids nowadays, our kids, are very Americanized and this is a part of their culture that we want them to follow tradition with… This is my only daughter and it’s [a] once in a lifetime thing. I’m willing to sacrifice and work overtime to do the quinceanera for her,” said Viveros.
Experts say that in the past decade quinceaneras, which were once small family affairs, have grown in size. Norma Capitanachi of Quinceanera Magazine says they have also become more costly.
“We have a study that says the average family maybe spends $10,000. Some quinceaneras they spend $3,000 but some quinceaneras… are very, very expensive. From $50,000 - $80,000 dollars,” said Capitanachi.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
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2013-11-25