What is a Quinceañera?
Learn about this beautiful tradition and its significance
A Quinceañera (pronounced keen-say-ah-NYEH-rah) is a celebration of a girl's 15th birthday, marking her transition from childhood to young womanhood. This tradition has deep roots in Latin American culture and holds special significance for many families.
About the Tradition
Not all Quinces are the same, and not all countries in Latin America have this tradition. Even in those countries where the Quinceañera is celebrated, how it is observed varies greatly and depends on many factors including family traditions and regional customs.
Many of the things you might have seen in videos or read about may not be part of our program, or they might be done a little differently. Each family makes the celebration their own!
The Bahá'í Age of Maturity
In the Bahá'í Faith, the age of maturity is 15. According to the teachings, this is when an individual gains the capacity to understand deeper truths and realities. It marks a significant spiritual milestone in a young person's life.
"Indeed, in his comprehension, his feelings, his deductions and his discoveries, every day of his life after maturity is equal to a year before it."
— 'Abdu'l-Bahá
At this age, a young person becomes essentially responsible for their own decisions and becomes answerable to God accordingly. While parents continue to help, encourage, and guide their children, there is a recognition of the basic change in accountability that has occurred.
What to Expect at This Quince
- A spiritually meaningful ceremony
- Prayers and devotional singing
- Delicious food and refreshments
- Music and dancing
- A celebration starting on time!