GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Have you ever heard of a Quinceañera before?
If you haven’t, that’s okay. Here’s a little more background about it.
A Quinceañera is a coming of age celebration for many young Hispanic girls.
Often times those unfamiliar with the culture and traditions behind it, may refer to it as a version of a “Sweet 16”, but that’s not the case.
For the Hispanic and Latino communities, this is not only a traditional cultural celebration but a religious one as well.
It marks the transition from childhood to adulthood for a young woman on her 15th birthday.
While Quinceañera traditions can vary depending where you are from in Latin America or from family to family, many aspects of the celebration are very similar.
One of the most iconic parts of the Quinceañera is the dress.
Most young girls wear a big puffy formal dress.
For the families that are of Catholic faith, a mass is held where the priest will bless the young girl.
The girl will often times also present a bouquet of flowers to the Virgin Mary, as Our Lady of Guadalupe is also in an iconic symbol for many across Latin America.
Following the mass, a reception is usually followed with delicious food, music, dancing, and more traditions as well.
Here in Northeast Wisconsin, with a growing Latino population this tradition is something that takes place right here at home as well.
For Ashley Madrigal, a Wrightstown teen, after a long battle with leukemia she is getting ready to celebrate her Quinceañera in September.
“I’ve been to some since I was five too and that’s when I saw a bunch of girls with big dresses and I’ve always wanted to be like that,” Madrigal said.
As a child, Madrigal's parents didn't think she would make it to age 15.
Now they count their blessings as they continue the preparations for the big day.
“I’m really excited for it kind of nervous. It’s a day to celebrate how I am a young child going into like women hood and going to celebrate it with friends and family,” Madrigal said.
Joyeria Ordaz, is a store located in Green Bay which specializes in helping Latina girls and their families with planning this beautiful celebration. That is where Madrigal is getting her dress.
Below you will also see a picture of a Quinceañera dress that is displayed at the Neville Museum in Green Bay
