"vestidos y accesories por bodas y quince años"

Question

I occasionally pass a shop in Denver, Colorado that has the above phrase on it's billboard. It seems obvious that they sell or rent formal wear for weddings and such, but I am unfamiliar with the "quince años". Is there some kind of special celebration in Mexico when a child turns 15 that would warrant a formal party?

• A female child, the guys get short-changed again. - qfreed Sep 14, 2011

Answer 1

There most certainly is. It's called la quinceañera, and it's a huge deal, much bigger than a sweet 16 party here in the U S. Here's a link.

Parents spend thousands on dresses, gifts, and the massive party. One of the workers at my ranch is just getting ready to do this for his daughter. They have even had dance instructors come out to teach everyone how to waltz.

• As the article points out the girl is the quinceañera. The celebartion is the Fiesta de quinceañera. - qfreed Sep 14, 2011
• True, but I've never heard anyone say it that way. They refer to the party with the one word. - KevinB Sep 14, 2011
• Why do the girls always get to have the fun? What with Sweet 16s and Fiestas de Quinces (I've heard this one, also.), the poor boys are left out. - MrSillyInc Sep 14, 2011
• thanks everyone - I had no idea there was such a thing. - john20 Sep 15, 2011