Quinceañera

A Daddy Daughter Dance

In Hispanic culture, when a young girl turns 15, she is presented to society in a big party called a Quinceañera.  A hundred or more years ago, it signaled a young woman was ready for marriage.  Today, it's more of an excuse to have a pretty formal dress and a big party.

My friend Rose's granddaughter had her big celebration last month in a beautiful party held at a large hotel in the City of Downey.

Dominique, or Nikki, as her friends call her - and her dad

Many Quinceañeras parties are beautiful and extravagant.  This one was too!  Nikki's dress was lovely.  She was truly a princess for an evening.

Executive Suites Hotel of Downey, California

This is an old ceremony, steeped in tradition.

All set for the party

Dominique and her girlfriends

With the ball gown style dress and attendants in matching dresses, it's almost like a wedding!  

The highlight of the evening was the 'changing of the shoes'.  Here we see Dominique's dad bringing her a pair of grown up high heels.

The symbolic 'changing of the shoes' ceremony

So it's official.  You are all grown up, now, Nikki!  Congratulations!

Thanks, Rose, for sharing your lovely photos.