In the Hispanic community, the fifteenth birthday celebration, called the fiesta de quince años, is arguably one of the most important days in a girl’s life. This cultural celebration symbolizes the transition from childhood to womanhood. “It means that I’m a girl coming of age and I’m not the little girl that I used to be,” said Karen. “I’m becoming a woman now.”
After four months of planning, the big day had finally arrived for Karen Vela Lima. “I felt really sad because I didn’t want the day to be over,” said Karen. “But at the same time I was really excited and happy because the day finally came.” Karen’s Quinceañera started with a traditional church ceremony. “My family, we are Christian so we want to give thanks to God before anything,” said Karen. “We wanted to give him thanks for letting us have that day.” The ceremony was followed by a party that ran into the night, filled with dancing, and family and friends who traveled from all over to attend the celebration.