I work in a photo lab. We process the rare roll of film, transfer slides to DVDs, and print digital pictures taken with modern cameras. We even have a few professional photographers come in. One who shoots gymnasts, one who shoots sports players, a few who do parties and weddings, and one who I used to think did homecoming photos and got a little carried away.
This photographer comes in regularly; a couple times a month. He’s a friendly and patient man who calls me by name. His photos are always centered around a young Hispanic girl, sometimes stoic, sometimes smiling brightly, always done up in a gigantic pink puffy gown. She usually has a sparkling tiara and as much makeup as a Miss America contestant. There will be photos of this girl with boys her age in suits and other girls in pretty — but not nearly as impressive — dresses, and a great deal more photos of her with her family, all in formal attire.
The girls in these photos are teenagers. When I first saw them, I would have assumed prom, but they were clearly too young.
I didn’t give the pictures much thought from there. After all my job is to print them, not analyze them. But I started to notice that some of his work would have text superimposed over it. I caught a number quite frequently: 15.
It dawned on me that these photos were for the girls’ 15th birthdays.
The “quince años” in some Hispanic cultures is an extravagant celebration for a girl. It’s akin to an old-fashioned debutant or cotillion ball: the girl’s “coming out” party, where it’s officially made known that she’s a marriageable woman.
As it turns out, this is quite popular in modern times amongst many Hispanic communities. Though the exact celebrations differ from country to country (and within the US), in general it includes a religious ceremony, a formal dinner, and a formal dance.
Traditionally, the quince años was supposed to be the first time the quinceañera (the now 15-year-old girl) could dance in public or wear makeup. Obviously, that’s not always the case today, but the celebration is no doubt still a landmark birthday, kind of like the Sweet Sixteen but with more religion and formality.
The sheer number of photos is astounding. Maybe this isn't that interesting to some, but I can't imagine doing this at 15. Dressing up in a giant dress with a crown and posing in front of the camera with my entire family and all my friends? Getting to wear a ton of makeup? Having a formal ball thrown in my honor? It sounds like fun. I would've really enjoyed it.
(photo curtesy of wikipedia)
