Cultural Experience Assignment: Quinceañera

After reviewing the Cultural Experience assignment, I ponder on a cultural experience event that I could participate in. One day, my niece’s teammate’s mother, mentioned that her oldest daughter was having a Quinceañera. A Quinceañera is a traditional, coming-of-age celebration for Latin Americans girls, on their fifteen birthday. The young woman and her family are celebrating, the girls’ transition to womanhood. Outside of television, I knew very little about Quinceañera’s. I was unfamiliar with the custom. I aware that they are very costly and requires months of planning. I was curious about the kind of birthday party that required, so much planning and saving. The way that the mother described the festivity, I had to see it for myself.

The food was homemade rice, beans, tortillas and enchiladas. American finger foods were also served. The Quinceañera transformed to a social event and celebration. Everyone started talking and laughing. Me being the outsider and non-Latino, everyone wonder who I was. As guests were preparing to eat their food, they made their way to my table and introduce their selves. At first I felt awkward, but the guests were friendly. One Guest invited me to join them at their table, which I did. I heard them talk about their own Quinceañera experiences and how proud they were of the quince girl and the

I was very reluctant about dancing because I was unfamiliar with Latin dance, but they insist that I participate. The music and dance was not just Latin and Mariachi music. Hip-Hop, R&B and Pop was mainly played. Hours went by and the DJ announced that everyone should return to their seats, the father and daughter dance was about to begin. The pillows of shoes from earlier and a doll was now in the father hands. He took off his daughter flats and presented her with high heels and the doll. La ultimamuñeca‖ is the last doll and toy she will ever be given. The shoes and doll, symbolized the end of her childhood. The father and girl perform a sentimental dance where the father begins to cry. After the dance, cake was served and the presents were given. The festivity continued, until the night. My immersion about the Quinceañera was completely different from my original assumptions. There were several examples of biculturalism at the Quinceañera. According to the book biculturalism is a unique blend of two cultures. The food was Tex- Mex, which is a blend of American and Mexican culture. Spanish was spoken, but so was English. The language barrier that I assume would exist was not a problem. The music that was playing was a mixture of traditional Latin music and different genre of American music. The Quinceañera allowed the girl to hold onto her Latin roots, but at the same time embrace her American