Wedding Party?

The other day, we spent the afternoon at the park when we came across what we thought was a wedding party.

On closer inspection, we discovered that the "bride" looked much to young to be married; plus, she was wearing yellow. Finally, I realized that what we were looking at was a Quinceanera. I didn't know much about Quinceaneras but I was surprised grandeur of the display in the park. Enter Wikipedia:

A Quinceañera, Quince, Quinceañero or Quince años (English: "fifteen years"), is a coming of age ceremony held in some Latin Americancultures on a girl's fifteenth birthday, comparable to a Sweet Sixteen celebration. Usually the girl will wear a white dress but in more recent times she may wear a colored dress.

Planning begins up to a year in advance and requires the resources of several members of the family and friends. The family priest will perform a Quinceañera ceremony in a church. The girl's baptismal Godparents will oversee the spiritual celebration and her friends and relatives will attend to see the recognition she receives as she makes the transition from girl to young woman in everyone's eyes.

Quinceañera are comparable in scope and grandeur to weddings, and the party atmosphere that follows the somewhat more subdued religious atmosphere. There is a significant dress, just as with a wedding, and can be just as expensive and unique as a wedding gown. Flowers and decorations are selected to match the color scheme of the festivities, a reception is held at which guests will be served a meal and there will be dancing for all in attendance.

Well, that explains things, I suppose. Mom, Dad - you guys seriously cheaped out on my Sweet Sixteen Party!

-J