Deseret News | Quinceaneras: No expense is spared to keep tradition alive

Reader comments
Quinceaneras: No expense is spared to keep tradition alive

Liz | 7:13 p.m. May 10, 2009

What a waste of money.

@ Liz | 7:43 p.m. May 10, 2009

It's not your money so why should you care? It's obviously important to the young women and their families. Have you ever attended one? Ever even met someone that's attended one? Ever talked with the girls? Quinceaneras are actually quite beautiful and the ceramonies behind them affirming. I attended many while teaching in Mexico and here in the States. All have been uplifting events that involve family and a great deal of love.

lisa | 8:34 p.m. May 10, 2009

I think a celebration is great but not if that same money being spent for a party isnt being equaly spent on a education. Its all of societies problem when people arent thinking of the future. Ya want a party go for it but dont whine and complain about low paying jobs and not getting ahead in society if you dont also support their education. My childrens Dad is a immigrant so dont say we dont know about cutural traditions either! We do its just we choose some things over others and getting a college degree is more important to us. Your money though so I hope the memories of these parties last a lifetime cause 40,000 is more than I had for my college education and down payment on my 1st house! Even 20,000 is a lot of money!

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 8:38 p.m. May 10, 2009

Beautiful dresses! I was somewhat aware of this tradition but I appreciate learning more about it.

Maggie | 1:23 a.m. May 11, 2009

I think it is a beautiful tradition that it kept and past down. Utahns are quite stuck in the LDS mode and uable to grasp new ideas that aren't theirs unfortunately. (And yes I am LDS.) Girls need to be noticed in this way- in a good way too. They need to be told of how beautiful they are, and admired for their talents. Beauty Pageants do this, but it is for all the wrong reasons and motives. Think of all the girls out there who try and get attention the negative way- drugs, getting pregnant etc. I wish we had more culture celebrations in America like this. A good friend of mine is from Columbia and is always going to dances or parties or whatever. I go to the annual Christmas party or whatever - woo hoo. You can't buy family traditions or culture.

utah rose | 9:21 a.m. May 11, 2009

I'm all for it as long as the girl understands that she is not grown up enough to be dating a lot , forgetting moral principles and being a teen age mother. Education is way more important.

In the East we had "big" confirmation parties when we turned about 12. The reason the weddings here are "cheaper" is that most don't have "sit-down" dinners, a bar, and a band.(no punch allowed), and lots of dancing.

These are the celebrations that are celebrated by many ethnic groups Most of the parents pay for this, but many times the bride and groom pay for some things.

We had a big wedding but not an elaborate one and I don't regret it one bit.

Hope the girls that are having the Quinceras have a lot of fun. And it's even better when there's a religious background to it.

Opinionated | 11:26 a.m. May 11, 2009

Actually, quince is 15 years old, not 16.

OgdenFan | 4:50 p.m. May 11, 2009

It is a business. Plain and simple. Organizers and people who encourage these young girls and their parents to spend large amounts of money in these celebrations, are only in it for the money.
If you want your young girl to celebrate her 15 years of life give her a birthday party at home with her friends and save the rest of the money for her future education. She will thank you for it when she receives her college diploma.
BTW - I am Mexican, Mormom and legal immigrant.

kelli | 2:45 p.m. May 12, 2009

All you who are against these cultural traditions are haters...you just don't understand what it means to have pride in your culture. Traditions that are passed down from generations are worth keeping alive. Don't hate b/c you are ignorant. Oh, and I am not mexican...I'm caucasian. It doesn't matter what nationality you are...you can still appretiate other cultures and their traditions.

Lisa A Classy DJ | 9:45 a.m. May 14, 2009

I know that these traditions are HUGE! and what a beautiful family gathering!!! I DJ Quinceras! and I have never seen so much love and happiness between friends and family! These cultural events are tradition! what would Life be like without Traditions!!????

LOVE AND RESPECT ALL!!!!

Brenda | 8:27 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

This event was so fun i was modeling in this event..
Quinceras & Bridal Show....
the girls are so beautiful we did an amazing job

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