Quinceanera Vs Sweet 16s –Divergence of Mexican and American Cultures What is the Difference Between the Two

"Where there is a woman, there is magic" - Ntozake Shange

As Shange comments, it is indeed special to be a woman. To possess strength, joy, ambition, and all things positive should make you feel extraordinary. There is no doubt that each woman is different, their abilities and strengths are all different but one factor remains common, the desire to celebrate womanhood. When a girl child is born into a family, it fills everyone with goodness. To experience a little girl turning into a woman is an emotional experience for parents and close ones. Many traditions are celebrated across the world to celebrate womanhood. Two such famous traditions are Quinceaneras and Sweet Sixteen Birthdays.

These two events are memorable for every girl who is on the brink of womanhood. Friends and family come together to celebrate these events where they shower the girl with blessings, in an eventful manner. Both the events are different from one another but the motto remains the same, to celebrate womanhood. When Quinceaneras or Sweet Sixteens are organized, it is aimed to make the world know that the girl has turned into a beautiful woman. The whole event is an informal party with close ones, but it remains memorable for the little girl, all her life.

If the traditions are so similar, wherein lies the difference? Who better to hear it from than those girls who celebrated their Quinceanera and, Sweet Sixteen Birthday, recently!

Emily's Sweet Sixteenth Birthday in Houston

Like every other girl, Emily was excited about her 16th birthday. When her older sister Rachel turned 16th, the festivities blew her head. Since then, she had been waiting for her sweet sixteen. She had so many ideas, but the main one, to feel like a princess. When the day arrived, her parents booked one of the banquet halls in Houston, and with her friends and family, she had a gala time. Food and drinks were flowing and she had her best time. Speaking to me she said, "It was modern. My idea was to have a non-traditional American Sweet Sixteen and my wish came true. It was awesome!"

Through Emily, it becomes clear that Sweet Sixteens are informal, non-traditional fun events that present young women to society. In earlier days only rich families used to involve in such events, famously known as 'debutante balls'.

Sofia's Quinceanera in Houston

Sofia grew up in a traditional Mexican family and when she turned 15, she knew her quinceanera was going to be organized. Her parents searched ardently for a hall for quinceanera and booked one of Houston's famous, Azul Reception Hall. Sofia had a great time, partying with her family and friends, in her traditional Mexican clothing. Speaking to me, she said, " My family is huge on traditions. We traditionally celebrated my quinceanera and I had a lot of fun".

From Sofia, we understand how different Sweet Sixteens and Quinceaneras are traditional. Mexican culture focuses more on the formal aspects while Americans consider it as a party event.

What are the Other Differences Between Quinceanera and Sweet Sixteens?

These are the areas in which both the events vary-

Venue

Sweet Sixteens can be organized in any kind of setting as it is an informal event. For the past 10 years, there has been a trend of organizing this event on a yacht. Depending on the kind of budget you have, sweet sixteens can be organized at any kind of venue.

Things are different with quinceaneras. They are formal events that have to be organized in a banquet setting. If you are looking for a quinceanera venue near me, there are many good options available. You can customize the whole event as per your family traditions and have a good time.

The Dress

A sweet sixteen girl has unlimited access to any kind of clothing much different from a Houston quinceanera. You can wear anything ranging from short dresses, long dresses, sleeveless or mermaid style dresses, etc. Since the party is informal, the dress code is not strict.

Quinceaneras have a strict dress code of ball gowns, the colors usually preferred are pink and white, depicting purity. You can color match your Houston quinceanera with the banquet theme too. Quinceaneras include a church ceremony in which you cannot show bare shoulders as it is considered disrespectful. It is advised to pay attention to your family tradition and dress likewise.

Both the events are organized to celebrate the love and joy of turning into a woman. Be it a quinceanera or sweet sixteen, enjoy to the fullest. As Maya Angelou says, " I am a woman phenomenally, Phenomenal woman that's me".