by Andy Sevilla
A tradition that spans countless generations in traditional Hispanic families allows parents to present their daughter to society, catapult the girl into womanhood, and throw one heck of a party.
A girl’s quinceañera is as much a celebration for her as it is for the family.
For Cindy Sedillo of Kyle, whose daughter Stephanie will celebrate her “quince” (15th birthday) later this year, it is an all out family affair to help plan, execute and purchase all the necessary accoutrements for the flamboyant party.
She is expecting about 250-300 guests.
Sedillo said she’s been planning her daughter’s quinceañera since 2013, giving her self almost two years to perfect the celebration.
“I am very much a planner,” Sedillo said. “I like to give lots of notice with plans and dates. I have lists and ideas, and then I share them with Stephanie so we can come to an agreement.”
Sedillo has three sisters, two brothers, many sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews who each contribute in their own way.
Though Sedillo’s sisters have been the most involved with the planning, her eldest niece, Mary Prieto, who already celebrated her own quinceañera, also contributed ideas and is helping choreograph the highly-anticipated dance a quinceañera and her court of “damas” (dames) and “chamberlanes” (chamberlains) present at the beginning of the reception.
A traditional quinceañera begins with a mass, where the girl presents her commitment to serving her deity. For Stephanie, a mass will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church in San Marcos.
“I like the traditions that come with Quince’s, like celebrating her birthday in a mass and having her blessed for her birthday,” Sedillo said. “Her grandfather passed away almost two years ago. I think this is a way for him to be with her on her special day.”
And being surrounded by family and friends is chief among what makes the event special, Sedillo said.
“Her 15th birthday is a celebration that I am very proud to share with our family and friends,” she said. “She is growing up so fast and…becoming a young lady more and more every day.”
After the religious ceremony — which has become less frequent in some quinceañeras — the young girl, her court, family and friends will make their way to the San Marcos Recreation Hall for a reception where the party begins.
The family of Gabriela Govea of Kyle, in purple dress at left, held her special day at the same location several years ago for about 175 guests. Gabi is now a senior at Lehman High.
Sedillo said her nephew, Geno Ramon, will DJ Stephanie’s quinceañera, providing the music for the celebration.
Sedillo said her brother, Nobel, who is also Stephanie’s Godfather, and his wife bought the teenager her dress. Sedillo’s brother, Esabel, and his wife are sponsoring Stephanie’s cake.
A sponsor is often referred to as a “padrino” (Godfather) in quinceañeras.
“I would say lots of family and friends are contributing to with time and money to make Stephanie’s day special,” her mom said. So far, Sedillo said she’s spent $4,500 for the party, and that’s not counting the help from family and friends.
Victoria Govea, Gabi’s mom, said she spent about the same amount on her daughter’s event.
What’s important, though, is making the event special for Stephanie, Sedillo said. The birthday girl, who attends Chapa Middle School and will begin her freshman year at Lehman High School in the fall, and her friends will be traveling from place to place in a limo bus.
Stephanie said celebrating her birthday with friends and performing a great dance is what she’s looking forward to the most. She wants that to be memorable.
The big day is November 22, a day after Stephanie turns 15.
