I'm on a roll with photos of pretty dresses, so here's one more fashion post with a Latina flavour. It's the Mexican version of a debutante's ball, a splashy tradition that seems to be going strong in Oaxaca.
It's a heck of a 15th birthday party, the official step into womanhood that can cost as much as a wedding. In fact it looks a lot like a wedding: a Court of Honour in place of a bridal party, a church service followed by a lavish reception with speeches, toasts, gifts, a fancy cake, important guests, and plenty of dancing and partying. It's a major social event for a family with money, and a whole industry exists with planners and venues, decorations and dj's.
I've never attended a quinceñera fiesta but if I have the chance I'll jump at it, gift in hand. Our Canadian friend Victor had the good fortune to receive an invitation to a classy celebration that required a borrowed suit and included a luxury-label bottle of mezcal in his take-home goodie bag. He said the extravagance was overwhelming, including life-size photos of the teenager of honour, a live orchestra, professional entertainers and fireworks, in addition to a gourmet meal and open bar.
Paying for all this, plus photographers, formal dresses, hair-dos, make-up and jewellery for everyone, can put families well into debt. God-parents, extended family and wealthier friends usually act as sponsors to help with expenses. I've heard god-parents are sometimes even chosen with an eye to their social and financial standing. Doesn't hurt to plan ahead.
Photo-shoots often happen in front of Oaxaca's Templo de Santo Domingo, and I've grabbed a few furtive shots of my own, all in the interest of documenting a slice of Mexican culture.
The 15-year old in the blue princess gown was having her quinceñera pictures taken in a "casa particular," the Cuban version of a B&B, where we stayed a night in the town of Remedios, Cuba. Such boredom, and such patience from her brother.
Some girls, including my practical teen-age Oaxacan friend Paulina, are rejecting the extravagant showiness and outlay of cash and are opting for a smaller event in a nice restaurant, and thanking their parents for a paid holiday instead. Traditions evolve and tastes change. I'm pretty sure my daughter would have gone for the holiday.
