In Ecuador, the
quince starts with the arrival of the teenager, accompanied by her father, who is then received by her mother and other relatives and friends. Then father and daughter dance a waltz, and other tunes.
[2] The
quinceañera birthday girl will dance with her brothers (if any) and their uncles and godparents. Then she performs the paso doble and the waltz with all members of the procession (optional dance then any other music, merengue, pop, etc.). For this occasion the teenager wears an evening dress in light colors or pastels, is dressed and made up slightly, usually places a tiara in her hair and jewels on her neck and hands. All the guests dressed in formal attire, including the teenager's friends of the same age.
After the original dance, the choreography begins with a set up by the teenager and her friends. After that, the festival begins with music from live bands, some famous artist, DJs, food, drink, and at one point of the night -usually late- a "crazy hour" is carried out, in which the attendants wear masks or funny wigs and make noise with whistles and rattles while fast-tempo music is played. It is optional to make some surprise dance performed by the quinceañera birthday girl (alone or accompanied), and also a dance that will give away her friends, cousins, etcetera.
In Mexico, the birthday girl, known as the
quinceañera, is adorned with elegant
makeup. Traditionally, this would be the first time she would wear makeup, but today this is not usually the case. The
quinceañera is also expected to wear a formal evening dress. Traditionally, that dress was a long
ball gown.
[3]In the Mexico tradition, when the teenager is
Catholic, the
quinceañeracelebration begins with a thanksgiving
mass.
[3] She arrives to the celebration accompanied by her parents, godparents and court of honor. The court of honor is a group of her chosen peers consisting of paired-off girls and boys, respectively known as
damas (
dames) and
chambelanes(
chamberlains). Typically, there are seven or fourteen pairs of
damas and
chambelanes. At this religious mass, a
rosary, or sometimes a necklace with a
locket or
pendant depicting Mexico's patron saint, the
Virgin of Guadalupe, is awarded to the teenager by her
godparents, such a necklace having been previously blessed by the church clergy. She is also awarded a
tiara. The tiara serves as a reminder that to her loved ones, especially her immediate family, the
quinceañera will always be a princess; however, some also see it as denoting that she is a "princess" before God and the world. After this, the girl may leave her bouquet of flowers on the altar for the
Virgin Mary.
[3]After the thanksgiving mass, guests gather for a reception where the remaining celebratory events meant to honor the
quinceañera will take place, including the rendering of gifts. Ths reception may be held at the
quinceañera's home, at an events room (such as a
dining hall,
banquet hall, or
casino), or in some cases publicly held, similar to a
block party. During the reception, the birthday girl usually dances a traditional
waltz with her "chambelan de honor", who is her chosen escort, and her court of honor.
[3] Often this section of the celebration is previously practiced and/or choreographed, often weeks in advance, sometimes even with months of anticipation.
[3] The basic reception consists of six major parts
[4] with dances taking place while a traditional Mexican meal is served:
- The formal entry - A grand entrance made by the Quinceañera once most guests have been seated.
- The formal toast - An optional but usually featured part of the reception, generally initiated by the parents or godparents of the birthday girl.
- The first dance - Usually a waltz where the girl dances, starting with her father.
- The family dance - Usually a waltz involving just the immediate relatives, the "chambelanes", godparents and the closest friends of the girl.
- The preferred song - Any modern song particularly enjoyed by the Quinceañera is played and danced.
- The general dance - Also usually a waltz, where everyone dances to a musical waltz tune.
Traditionally, Mexican girls could not dance in public until they turned fifteen, except at school dances or at family events. Therefore, the quinceañera's waltz with the chamberlanes is the girl's first public dance.
Some families may choose to add ceremonial components to the celebration, depending on local customs. Among them are the ceremony of the Change of Shoes, in which a family member presents the
quinceañera with her first pair of
high heel shoes; the Crowning ceremony, in which a close relative vests her with a crown on her head; and
ceremonia de la ultima muñeca (literally "ceremony of the last doll"), during which her father presents her with a doll usually wearing a dress similar to the
quinceañera herself. The ceremony of the last doll is based on a
Maya tradition and is related to the birthday girl's receipt and renouncement of the doll as she grows into womanhood. Likewise, the ceremony of the change of shoes symbolizes the girl's passage into maturity.
[3]Once all symbolic gestures have taken place, the dinner is commenced. At this point, the celebration reaches its high point; contracted musical groups begin playing music, keeping the guests entertained. The music is played while the guests dine, chat, mingle, and dance.
The next morning the family and closest friends may also attend a special breakfast, especially if they are staying with the family. Sometimes what is known as a
recalentado (re-warming) takes place in which any food not consumed during the event of the night before is warmed again for a brunch type event.
[5]