Dive into the rich cultural traditions and meanings behind the age-old celebration of a young woman's transition into adulthood in Latin American society. Discover how the Quinceañera ceremony symbolizes a girl's maturity, virtue, and readiness to take on the responsibilities of adult life. Explore the elaborate planning, intricate customs, and vibrant festivities that come together to create a truly memorable and symbolic event for families and communities. Uncover the deep historical roots of the Quinceañera tradition, tracing its origins back to pre-Columbian indigenous practices that have evolved over centuries to become a quintessential cultural celebration in Latin America. Learn about the intersection of religion, family values, and social expectations that shape the way Quinceañera celebrations are carried out in different regions and subcultures across the continent. Witness the beauty and splendor of Quinceañera dresses, a central element of the celebration that embodies the young woman's transformation into womanhood. Delve into the intricate symbolism behind the various rituals and symbolic gestures that make up the Quinceañera ceremony, from the blessing of the rosary to the changing of shoes, each carrying its own special significance and meaning. Explore the ways in which modern Quinceañera celebrations have retained their cultural essence while also adapting to contemporary trends and influences. From themed parties and choreographed dances to social media showcases and destination celebrations, see how Quinceañeras continue to evolve and resonate with younger generations in Latin American communities and beyond. Gain a deeper appreciation for the customs, values, and traditions that shape the Quinceañera celebration as a rite of passage that transcends borders and unites families in a shared cultural experience. Whether you are a participant, observer, or simply curious about the significance of this age-old tradition, Sacred Rituals offers a captivating journey into the heart of the Quinceañera celebration.

"An emerging field of study that explores the Hispanic minority in the United States, Latino Studies is enriched by an interdisciplinary perspective. Historians, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, demographers, linguists, as well as religion, ethnicity, and culture scholars, among others, bring a varied, multifaceted approach to the understanding of a people whose roots are all over the Americas and whose permanent home is north of the Rio Grande. Oxford Bibliographies in Latino Studies offers an authoritative, trustworthy, and up-to-date intellectual map to this ever-changing discipline."--Editorial page.

Sofia comes from a family of storytellers. Here are her tales of growing up in the barrio in McAllen, Texas, full of the magic and mystery of family traditions: making Easter cascarones, celebrating el Dia de los Muertos, preparing for quinceañera, rejoicing in the Christmas nacimiento, and curing homesickness by eating the tequila worm. When Sofia is singled out to receive a scholarship to boarding school, she longs to explore life beyond the barrio, even though it means leaving her family to navigate a strange world of rich, privileged kids. It’s a different mundo, but one where Sofia’s traditions take on new meaning and illuminate her path.

Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, a “phenomenal, indispensable” (USA Today) exploration of the Latina “sweet fifteen” celebration, by the bestselling author of How the García Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of Butterflies The quinceañera, a celebration of a Latina girl’s fifteenth birthday, has become a uniquely American trend. This lavish party with ball gowns, multi-tiered cakes, limousines, and extravagant meals is often as costly as a prom or a wedding. But many Latina girls feel entitled to this rite of passage, marking a girl’s entrance into womanhood, and expect no expense to be spared, even in working-class families. Acclaimed author Julia Alvarez explores the history and cultural significance of the “quince” in the United States, and the consequences of treating teens like princesses. Through her observations of a quince in Queens, interviews with other quince girls, and the memories of her own experience as a young immigrant, Alvarez presents a thoughtful and entertaining portrait of a rapidly growing multicultural phenomenon, and passionately emphasizes the importance of celebrating Latina womanhood.

Describes the customs and traditions connected with the celebration of a Mexican-American girl's fifteenth birthday, marking her coming of age.

The first anthology to focus specifically on the topic of Chicana expressive culture, Chicana Traditions features the work of native scholars: Chicanas engaged in careers as professors and students, performing artists and folklorists, archivists and museum coordinators, and community activists. Blending narratives of personal experience with more formal, scholarly discussions, Chicana Traditions tells the insider story of a professional woman mariachi performer and traces the creation and evolution of the escaramuza charra (all-female precision riding team) within the male-dominated charreada, or Mexican rodeo. Other essays cover the ranchera (country or rural) music of the transnational performer Lydia Mendoza, the complex crossover of Selena's Tejano music, and the bottle cap and jar lid art of Goldie Garcia. Framed by the Chicana feminist concept of the borderlands, a formative space where cultures and identities converge, Chicana Traditions offers a lively commentary on how women continue to invent, reshape, and transcend their traditional culture.

This volume compiled by Ilan Stavans examines the importance of ritual and celebration and the quinceañera celebration's growing social importance to in the Latino community, particularly in the United States. The essays explore the quinceañera and the coming-of-age ritual from various angles. Prior to 2007, the quinceañera received no formal ritual through the Catholic Church, which has since issued one. As such, the role of religion and the Catholic Church in the quinceañera celebration is given extensive consideration. Gender, family status, class, race, as well as the aspects of performance are all discussed as central themes of the celebration. Delving through myriad perspectives, Quinceañeras illuminates the festivities' form and function in creating social and personal identity within the family and the larger Latino community.