Three Boys and a Lady: Alex's Quinceanera

Friday evening we headed over to the Cape Coral Yacht Club to join the Batista Family celebrate their youngest daughter, Alex's Quinceanera (Sweet 15). Just for family tree purposes, Glenn's cousin, Chris, is married to Esther, who is the sister of Alex. I'm not quite sure what the technical term is for our relation, but we're family! In most Latin cultures, it is tradition to celebrate your daughter's 15th birthday in grand style.

"The Quinceañera, or Quince años ("fifteen years" in English), in Latin-American culture is a coming of age ceremony held on a girl's fifteenth birthday. The term Quinceaños refers to the birthday of the celebrant, and the term Quinceañera refers to the celebrant herself. Like many other coming-of-age ceremonies, the Quinceaños is associated with the Quinceañera "becoming a lady.

The celebration carries religious significance for Spanish-speaking Roman-Catholics. The celebration begins with a religious ceremony in which the Quinceañera affirms her faith. It is customary for the Quinceañera to receive gifts that are religious in nature, such as a cross or medal, a Bible (prayer book), or rosary and these gifts are often a part of the ceremony.

After the conclusion of the Roman Catholic religious ceremony, a reception is held either in the Quinceañera's home or in a banquet hall. Decor of this reception often resembles that of a wedding. The Quinceañera's court is typically comprised of her padrinos (godparents) and a Chambelan, a young man who is her companion and date for the evening. The Chambelan typically has the first dance with the Quinceañera, a traditional ballroom waltz called a "Waltz". The Chambelan initiates the Vals by requesting a dance with the Quinceañera to a classical song, followed by dances with her requested by her father or another close male relative such as an uncle or older brother, and then her godfather. Following these initial presentation dances, the guests join the dance floor as well. Some Latino cultures have the girl's first dance begin with her father as her partner, and then he is cut in on by her escort. Godparents play a significant role in the preparations for the Quinceaños, often handling arrangements for the party, church and celebration. The event is the culmination of their responsibility in the church to oversee the religious upbringing of their goddaughter."

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful! I'm sad that I didn't get a picture of Alex in her gorgeous dress. My camera died halfway through the ceremony. She looked like a princess! We danced the night away to all kinds of Latin music. It was a fantastic evening!

Here's a small clip of Rylan showing off his sweet dance moves!