Sweet 15 Parties In The Dominican Republic
A coming of age ceremony for boys and girls in their teens is very common all over the world. In countries with a Spanish background, the girl's coming of age ceremony is called a quinceanera or Sweet 15. The occasion marks her transition from child to young woman, much like the Sweet 16 parties of the US and Canada and the Japanese seijin shiki tradition. The Dominican Republic quinceanera is quite different from the Mexican version, and really of any other Latin nation.
A Dominican quinceanera typically begins with full Mass at a Catholic Church, with a party to follow. No doubt you have received a formal invitation to the event; the start times for everything will be on it. Stay true to traditional Dominican time customs, arrive about an hour after what is indicated on the invitation. You could be left sitting there by yourself if you do otherwise. Take the invitation along with you to the party or reception. Very often these kinds of events are held at a public place, thus invitations are needed to prevent 'gate-crashers'.
Bring a gift, card and be sure it is all wrapped nicely. Silver picture frames are popular, but use good sense and when in doubt ask a few local women what they recommend for a quinceanera gift. Most Sweet 15 parties are attended by the entire extended family of the guest of honor, almost the entire school she attends and hundreds of other guests. Make sure you have formal dress before you get ready to go. Gentlemen, be prepared to wear your best suit. Ladies should have their hair nicely styled and also have a manicure for the event. In choosing your dress, be very careful not to out-do the quinceanera's dress. Find out ahead of time what her dress color is and choose something different.
At the initial Mass, 14 couples will accompany the quinceanera and her partner to the altar for the entire service. When everyone arrives at the reception, a great deal of dancing should be expected. The young woman in question will waltz with her partner, her father, and later on a few uncles. Then it is customary for all 15 male escorts to perform a series of choreographed dances. The music may change from merengue to salsa to pop and back to classical.
The reception will also include a large buffet and an open bar. Typically, young men from 13 years will be served alcohol, but the ladies under 18 will abstain. Eventually, party favors are given to all guests and everyone is asked to sign an album.
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