Mi Primera Quinceañera

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¡Hola!
Last night was by far the best night of my life her in México so far. I was sitting at the computer around 5 when my host mother asked me if I wanted to go to a Quinceañera, which is a 15-year-old girls birthday party. It is very fancy, so I got all dressed up and we were off the the church at 6. We first had to stop and buy a gift for Blanca, La Quinceañera. We got her a pretty little necklace, bracelet, and earring set. The first part of the Quinceañera was held in the church. It was a lot like a wedding. It was beautiful. The dress Blanca was wearing was gorgeous. We arrived late so I missed most of what happened. We came in at the part where everyone was taking pictures with Blanca. Traditionally though, the ceremony is very long and spiritual. I don't know a lot, but I do know at one point Los Padrinos, or the Godparents give her a bible. This ceremony is only for girls. It is to welcome them into society, like the debutantes. We went home for an hour because the family needed to get the party place ready. My host sister was hosting a romantic Christmas dinner for her boyfriend and four other friends that we couples. I felt bad because me and my host mom were there. So around nine, we left for the party. It looked like a wedding reception. First, Blanca had a special entrance and dance with her father. After that she danced with like a million different guys. I felt sorry for her poor feet. My host parents were one pair of Los Padrinos. There are two pairs. Anyway, my host father went up and made a lovely toast about her. And guess what? We had sparkling apple cider, which reminded me of New Years with mom. After the toast, we got to eat. The food was really good. We had a chicken, which for some reason was orange, potatoes, which were almost mashed but were more cubes in a cream, and spaghetti. We did a little dancing, and then Blanca went in the center for the shoe changing ceremony. This is when her father removes her little girl shoes, and changes them with women's shoes. It is actually kinda cool. Follow the shoe ceremony, Blanca had a special dance with her chambelanes, or male escorts. They are just a bunch of her guy friends. She then did something kinda like throwing a bouquet. First all her girl friend came and ran around her in a circle. Then the all went behind her and she throw a stuffed animal. I think that means throwing away being a child, I am not sure. Then the guys did the same thing, except with a heart pillow. The rest of the night was dancing, except for when she cut the cake. Blanca even got me, Shayna, world's shyest person, to dance with her. Everyone got little gift. It was really the most beautiful thing every. It is my favorite mexican tradition. I definitely turned 15 in the wrong country. hahaha. Seriously, though I really had an amazing time. Not sure what I am doing today. Hopefully something fun.
Seasons Greetings,
Shayna

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Photos

La Familia
This is just a teaser. I have tons more pictures on my snapfish.com. This is Blanca, with her mom and dad. Isn't that dress gorgeous??

Mi Papa y Blanca
This is my host father dancing with Blanca.

The Shoe Ceremony
The is the shoe ceremony.