Celebrating a Quinceañera

A quinceanera is more than just a birthday party. For Ariana's Mexican-American family, it is also a rite of passage, a religious occasions, and a celebration of heritage. In this festive photo essay, ten-year-old Ariana enthusiastically helps her cousin Cynthia prepare for this big event. It is a effort that involves not only the extended family but the entire community. There are invitations to be delivered, dresses to be chosen, musicians to be hired, dances to be learned and perfected, favours and food to be made, and even counseling sessions for Ariana's cousin to attend at church. On the day of Cynthia's quinceanera, it is clear that everyone's hard work has paid off as the community comes together for an occasion to be remembered and treasured. In a warm and exuberant tribute, Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith and Lawrence Migdale portray a culture and a celebration that is grounded in faith, rich in traditions, and full of life.