Once Upon a Quinceanera
Subtitle: Coming of Age in the USA
Publisher: Viking Adult; Viking
Published: August 2, 2007
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 288
ISBN-13: 9780670038732
Subjects: Hispanic Americans In The U.S; Manners And Customs; Family & Relationships; Ethnic Issues; Family/Marriage; Customs & Traditions; Ethnic Studies - Hispanic American Studies; Life Stages - Teenagers; Family & Relationships / Adolescence; Life Stages - Adolescence; Popular Culture - General; Hispanic Americans; Quinceaänera (Social custom); Rites and ceremonies; Social life and customs; United States
Description: The quinceañera, the fifteenth birthday celebration for a Latina girl, is quickly becoming an American event. This legendary party is a sight to behold: lavish ball gowns, extravagant catered meals, DJs, limousines, and multi-tiered cakes. The must-haves for a "quince" are becoming as numerous and costly as a prom or wedding. And yet, this elaborate ritual also hearkens back to traditions from native countries and communities, offering young Latinas a chance to connect with their heritage. Writer Alvarez explores this celebration that brings a Latina girl into womanhood, attending the quince of a young woman in Queens, and weaving in interviews with other quince girls, her own memories of coming of age as an immigrant, and the history of the custom itself. The result is an enlightening, accessible, and entertaining portrait of contemporary Latino culture.--From publisher description.