Like many coming-of-age rituals celebrated in the United States
such as the Jewish bar mitzvah or the Catholic confirmation, the quinceañera sometimes is
called pompous, generating a backlash against materialism. The celebration can be as lavish as a
wedding. Unless expenses are controlled, the party can cost several thousand dollars
including matching gowns, deejay, banquet hall, limos, and lots of food. Many times the
friends can be expected to buy their own gowns, and sometimes that can cause problems.
Many bridal stores carry appropriate dresses, and now Wal-Mart also stocks quinceañera
dresses.
Many feel the most important part
of the festivity is the message the parish priest gives to the quinceañera about growing
up. Some educators think parents should put more emphasis on high school graduation and
less on expensive celebration.
For the quinceañera, though,
it's a beautiful party, an opportunity to express her maturity and be thankful for her
parents and her heritage. In addition, the celebration is intended to reaffirm religious
faith, good morals, and the virtues of traditional family values.
So if parents don't get carried
away with spending, it's still a wonderful tradition.
