If you're planning a traditional mass. I reommend you purchase the new Quinceanera guide book for the traditional mass:  Order for the Blessing on the Fifteen Birthday, by the United States Bishop available for purchase on the USCCB site. The book is written in both Spanish and English. It contains options for using the rite-of-passage with in and out side the Mass.

The Quinceanera celebration dates back centuries to pre Columbian time. The rite of passage ceremony can be traced back to the fifteenth and sixteenth century. The Quinceanera is the celebration of when a female child makes her transistion to a young woman dating back to the Meso America culture. The were many different cultural influences in Latina America at that time..

It's important for families to include part of the beautiful Quinceanera tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation. Celebrating the tradition  offers more meaning to this special time in the Quinceanera's life.

Her rite-of-passage celebration gives her the opportunity to reflect on her own place withinin the community as a young Hispanic woman embarking on her own journey in life. As the Quinceanera celebrates her rite of passage her family and the community is preparing to accept her as a young woman who is ready to make decisions for herself.

This is the time in the Quinceanera's life when the choices she makes today will be the blueprint for her entire life. The choices she makes today we hope will make a positive difference in her like today and for her future. He hope she will contribute to her community as a leader and outstanding role model?

We hope she will find her own passion and purpose in life. And commit to continuing her education after high school in order for her to be better educated and avail herself of the opportunities for a quality life?

Part of planning for her Quince celebraton is one of the very important decisions is choosing the style and  color of her Quinceanera Dress. Most girls feel this ia the most important decision for her celebration. But it is just part of the entire planning process for her making her transition from the little girl to a young woman. We must not forget the tradition our ancestors set forth for this important time in the Quinceanera's life.

It was a time for the Quinceanera to prepare for her future. She had to decide whether she waa going to get married or enter the church. What ever her decision was she was then educated by the community for her chosen role in her life. Today things are different. The Quinceanera has unlimited opportunities to choose from.

   The Corte de Honor is another tradition that has been remained part of the Quinceanera celebration. The tradition is that the Quinceanera's Corte de Honor is there to support her as she takes her first step into young womanhood. The dance called the 'Vals'. The special dance is one of the highlights of the Quinceanera celebration. The tradition is to have fourteen girls and fourteen boys each couple representing one year of the Quinceanera's life. The fifteenth year is represented by the Quinceanera herself and her escort of honor. The girls are called the Damas. The boys are called the Chambelanes.

    * At the end of the mass the Quinceanera offers a special bouquet to the statue of the Virgin Mary. This is part of the special traditional ceremony.

    * Another tradition is the Quinceanera's parents and her God parents read a special prayer or a verse from the bible.

    * Some churches require the Quinceanera to redo her baptismal vows during her special mass.

    * The focus of the Quinceanera's right of passage celebration should be treasured by the Quinceanera and her entire family. It's part of the rich Hispanic culture that has survived the many hardships suffered by their ancestors.

    * Mis Quince Anos it's your day. Be grateful for your fifteen years and everything you have. Be thankful for the love given to you by your family and friends.

    * It's the Quinceanera tradition to start to take on new responsibilities as you start your new journey in life as a young woman.

    * It's your life and the choices you make will directly impact everyday of your life.

Many people are having a non traditional Quinceanera Celebration. The family is choosing to either have a specially created ceremony at a church they presently attending. Or some families have designing their own service prior to the reception at their chosen venue. Quinceanera Connection: Your Dream Celebration On Any Budget has a separate chapter about the every type of Quinceanera ceremony.