The quinceañera (pronounced: [kin.se.aˈɲe.ɾa]; feminine form of “fifteen-year-old”), also called fiesta de quince años, fiesta de quinceañera, quince años or simply quince, is the celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America and elsewhere in communities of people from Latin America. This birthday is celebrated differently from any other as it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood. The celebration, however, varies significantly across countries, with celebrations in some countries taking on, for example, more religious overtones than in others. In Brazil, a Portuguese-speaking country, the same celebration is called festa de debutantes, baile de debutantes or festa de quinze anos. In the French Caribbean and French Guiana, it is called fête des quinze ans. – Courtesy Wikipedia
Marlene’s quinceañera involved an early morning start of hair, makeup getting into her gown and be transported to her Catholic parish, Corpus Christi in San Francisco’s Excelsior District. Her entourage included her Chambelan, Franklin, as well as her dames and dapper fellers. The catholic mass was rich in symbolism and culture and was very emotional for the parents and godparents. The celebration continued on at El Patio Espaňol, while we photographed Marlene and her crew at the Historic Legion of Honor.
In her very own words “I didn’t think taking pictures would be so fun, I really had a great time!” That’s all I have to say, take a peek for yourselves on how this celebration really went down! Congratulations and Happy Birthday Marlene!!
