Quinceanera Order of Events Read through our notes below on how to plan your quinceanera. You will also find explanations of the traditional events in a quinceanera including the presentation of the last doll and the first dance.

Religious Celebration: During the quinceanera religious celebration, the quinceanera is walked down the aisle accompained by her parents and her godparents. The Quinceanera is presented to the center of the alter for the mass. After the quinceanera mass, the quinceanera can choose to do the crowing, changing of shoes, and the doll presentation. However, it is customary to do these quinceanera traditions at the reception. Quinceanera Reception: After the religious ceremony, the festivities can begin with lots of food, drinks, and music. These quinceanera parties are usually arranged around a particular theme. For ideas on many great quinceanera themes, see our Quinceanera Themes idea page! Every quinceanera reception usually includes the following: The Introduction of the Court of Honor: To begin the festivities, the court of honor is first presented prior to the quinceanera. Each name of the court of honor is announced as they enter. This announcement is usually done with background quinceanera music. For a list of popular quinceanera music, see our quinceanera songs suggestion page.   The Presentation of the Quinceanera: After the presentation of the court of honor, the quinceanera is finally introduced. A quinceanera may choose to walk in on the arm of her escort. A special song is also played for her entrance. Crowing of the Quinceanera: The crowning of the quinceanera is traditionally done by the mother of the quinceanera. The headpiece worn by the Quinceanera is to be replaced with a quinceanera tiara or crown. A scepter can also be presented to the quinceanera at the same time. For more details on the significance of this quinceanera tradition, see the Crowing of the Quinceanera information page. Presentation of the Last Doll: For details on this quinceanera tradition, see the Presentation of the Last Doll info page. Changing of the Shoes: For details on this quinceanera tradition, see the Changing of the Quinceanera Shoes info page. The Quinceanera Waltz: The main highlight of the Quinceanera is the waltz or el bals. Months of practice are spent for this special dance prior to the day of the Quinceanera. In most cultures, the quinceanera first dances with her father during a special quinceanera song. The quinceanera can then dance with her honor escort and finally the quinceanera court of honor can join in. The Toast: The father usually leads the toast for the quinceanera. The toast can also be done by the master or mistress of ceremony, bandleader, or even the honor escort. The Thank You: The parents of the Quinceanera give thanks to the quinceanera for turning out so beautifully and also thank God for bringing her to them. The parents of the quinceanera also gives thanks to God for seeing her through every day up to her quinceanera. The quinceanera then gives thanks to her parents for everything they do as well as giving her the party. The quinceanera also gives thanks to the sponsors for their contributions and to the guest for coming. < Back to Quinceanera Guide