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The Quinceanera for that special young girl's 15th Birthday Celebration

QUINCE ANOS

     At Caring HARTS, we embrace young people and the milestones that occur in their lives. One such important time comes from the Aztec tradition that has passed down through the ages. It is the "Quinceanera" or in other words, the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday. This is a time when she leaves her childhood and becomes a young woman. It marks a time when there are new responsibilities as a Christian woman and a re-affirmation of her beliefs and promises. In the Latin community, this IS as important a moment as a young woman's wedding day.

       The Quince has a unique role during the service. She comes forward to provide religious readings as well as to provide flowers to The Virgin Mary. At Caring HARTS, we provide two ceremony types to accommodate the needs of various families. One ceremony is called the "The Emerging Quince". This is a 20 minute long ceremony and is a bit more streamlined for families wishing for a shorter but nonetheless wonderful service. The cost is simply $275 and like all of our ceremonies, it can be done in one's back yard, at a park or other location of your choice. The other ceremony is called "The Quinceanera Fairytale". This is outlined below and is considered the more traditional ceremony of the two choices. Our fee for providing this ceremony is only $350 including use of the throne chair, giving of a deluxe keepsake certificate and other features. For this service, we bring in a kneeling pillow and a throne charir that is upholstered in white and decorated in gold wood trim for picure taking and when she receives her blessed gifts.

Let's take a look at "The Quinceanera Fairytale" {This is a Partial List - ask us for complete details}:

The Sponsors or Godparents (Padrinos) are escorted in to be seated in the front of the ceremony location
The Court of Honor ( Damas and Chambelanes) walk in and take position at altar
The Honor Escort walks in with the Quince (she carries her bouquet) to the altar WHERE she kneels on her Satin Prayer Pillow

Minister's Welcoming Words to the audience
A Time for Giving Thanks to God for all the family has received
The Quinceanera Now Accepts New Challenges
Quinceanera gives bouquet of flowers to The Virgin Mary
Prayers of the Faithful
Quinceanera stands and recites a Scripture Reading- Jeremiah
Thanks Prayer and Blessing of the Gifts with Holy Water
Quinceanera sits in her Special Princess Throne Chair
Presentation of Gifts to Quinceanera by all madrinas
 1) The Bible, 2) The 3 Roses, 3) The watch, 4) The parasol, 5) The ring, 6) The bracelet,
 and 8) The Perfume Decanter - Each is explained as they are given by the "madrina"
Quinceanera sings her song of promise or recites a verse (typically prays out loud Psalm 119:33-48)
The Court of Honor attendants each give Quince a white rose or other flower (color of dress)
Mother carries Candle for Lighting (18 inch) at Altar and Prayer performed by Parents and Quinceanera
Final Blessing by Minister
OPTIONAL Ceremonial Steps (This may be done next or at The Reception)
Quinceanera sits in her Special Throne Chair
     Father to step forward, retrieve heeled shoes from Lucky Charm (youngest sister) and replace flat shoes
    Mother of the Quinceanera places the tiara on daughter's head and gives her a Scepter
    Quinceanera gives youngest sister, Lucky Charm (or parents) her porcelain doll (She may also keep the doll to throw at reception)
Father helps daughter to stand up
Music is played for Quinceanera (Closing Song)