There are parties, and then there are Quinceañeras! Quinceañeras are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. As the acceptance of Latin culture in America rises, we can’t get enough of these incredibly lavish parties and all the splurging and drama that surrounds them. Luckily there are several shows that can take you on this wild ride of young Latinas coming-of-age celebration.
These shows document teenagers’ outrageous journeys as they plot, plan and prep for the party to end all parties. They give a very personal and up-close look at the extravagant (and extreme) measures girls take to ensure this milestone in their lives is commemorated by the ultimate celebration.
My Dream Quinceañera
My Dream Quinceanera is a reality show produced by AwesomenessTV and streamed on their YouTube channel. Cameras follow the teens as they plan their dream quinceañera, shopping for the a perfect gown for Quinceanera, planning an exciting fiesta, and choosing their Court of Honor. This show gives us all the quince drama any family with a 14-year-old goes through during the planning of the most important moment of that young woman’s life.
Sweet 15: Quinceañera | TLC
TLC’s series Sweet 15: Quinceañera celebrates the traditional rite of passage in a Latina’s life passed on from generation to generation, and a day of pride for the entire family. Cousins Alexis and Jarling are Miami’s premiere Quinceañera party experts and dress shop owners who do it all. Along with Alexis’ wife Daniela, they work with their clients to create an unforgettable event. While longstanding cultural traditions like finding the perfect dress, doing their nails and the father daughter dance still remain prevalent, new American traditions are becoming a staple, including over-the-top photo shoots, numerous mid-party outfit changes, and music videos that rival those of the biggest teen pop sensations.
15: A Quinceañera Story (2017) | HBO
Quinceanera is not all about fun and party, and this next show is here to prove it. 15: A Quinceañera Story follows five young girls and their families as they navigate the complexities of coming of age in the U.S. From grappling with gender identity to the constant fear of having a loved one deported, the issues raised in each piece reflect the current cultural and political landscape.
We learn the story of Zoey, a transgender Mexican-American who is now celebrating her quince thanks to the help of her trans madrinas or godmothers. Rosi is a bi-racial Guatemalan and Cuban girl from Florida, who celebrates her multi-cultural quince in Havana because her grandfather can’t get a visa to visit the U.S. There’s Ashley, a young boxer from East Los Angeles whose mother is undocumented and whose coach is facing deportation proceedings. Finally, there is Jacki and Nina, two Mexican-American girls from San Antonio, who decide to celebrate together and incorporate their love of escaramuza, the practice of traditional Mexican horse-dancing.
The series is a beautiful tribute to the relationships that help usher young people into the next stage of their life, and we wholeheartedly recommend you to watch it.
La Quinceañera
La Quinceañera is a documentary film produced and directed by Adam Taub released in 2007. It was shot in Tijuana, Mexico and follows Ana Maria and her family as they prepare for and celebrate her Quinceañera. The Quinceañera or Quince Años (sometimes represented XV Años, meaning “fifteen years”) is, in some Spanish-speaking regions of the Americas, a young woman’s celebration of her fifteenth birthday, which is celebrated in a unique and different way from her other birthdays. The word is also used to refer to the young woman whose 15th birthday is being celebrated (analogous to the word cumpleañera for “birthday girl”).
