Miss Quince, What is that?

Many people have not heard of a Quinceanera before. I am lucky enough to have a best friend who is Latina and have been exposed to them a few times before being asked to document Camila's Quinceanera this past summer.

So what is a Quinceanera? It is the celebration of a girls 15th birthday, which is the marking her passage from girlhood into womanhood. Traditional Quinceanera's have two parts of the celebration a mass which is typically held a church which is then followed by the reception or the party. Masses of friends and family are usually in attendance of the event and it very highly celebrated.

Camila's quince was a little different given the year that we've had. Her mother had been planning to host her event for the last year, but was unable to do so because of restrictions and gathering limitations. This summer though, it was finally time to celebrate the Quince. We were able to capture all of the special moments from the day, things such as friends and family preparing the meal, the quince getting her gown on with her mothers help, formal images of the Quince herself and obviously the party.

The party itself contains small ceremonies that follow the tradition of transitioning into womanhood. My favourite is definitely the changing of the shoes. The quince will wear a pair of flat shoes such as sneakers or ballerina shoes, which her mother will replace with her first pair of high heels. What a significant milestone.

As all other parties that members of the Latina community throw together, there was no lack of dancing or eating at this party, and I am sure they partied and ate well past the time I went home.

Here's hoping that I get the chance to photograph many many more Quinceanera's.