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jennifer rose

Jul 30, 2007, 8:25 AM

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La Quinceañera

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You've seen the eponymous film. Salon has an article about the Ultimate Fiesta at http://www.salon.com/...inceanera/index.html

What new twists and trends to the Quinceaños are taking place where you live?

judithnpups

Jul 30, 2007, 8:11 PM

Post #2 of 22 (3310 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] La Quinceañera

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I'll be attending a Quince on Aug.11 here in Morelia and will let you know how it goes.
Judith in the DF (formerly in Morelia)

Blackjack Davie

Jul 31, 2007, 5:07 PM

Post #3 of 22 (3239 views)

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Re: [judithnpups] La Quinceañera

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Jennifer, there is a Mexican family here in my part West Virginia (restaurant owners) who left for a small town in Jalisco for a daughter's Quinceanera. When I say family, I mean everybody, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brothers, and of course, the parents. They explained to me the importance of this observance and the role it plays in a young girl's life. I understand that there will be several hundred folks present and after the "ceremony" a huge party will take place involving most of the people of their pueblo. Sounds like a big deal to me. Actually, these good folks invited me to attend but that was not possible. Beautiful people and I know the daughter will have the time of her life.

Rolly

Jul 31, 2007, 5:17 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] La Quinceañera

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I have had the pleasure of attending two quinceañeras. Both were large affairs with dancing, food and booze.

Rolly Pirate

PuntaAllenGreg

Aug 1, 2007, 7:54 AM

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Re: [jennifer rose] La Quinceañera

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OMG! I'll have to throw up a new web page on my site to document my first La Quinceañera in Merida three weeks ago! What a complete, over the top, blow out! I loved it, but I didn't get back to the house untill 3:00AM. And we left early!

I'll be back in Merida for another sabrina's La Quinceañera in late August.

Greg

jerezano

Aug 1, 2007, 8:32 AM

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Re: [Rolly] La Quinceaï¿½era

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Hello all,

The QuinceaÃ±era is the Mexican equivalent of American society's "coming out party for a debutante". So, depending on the social status and wealth of the parents and family it can be quite elaborate, or simple, but it is necessary. It's purpose is to declare to the Mexican World that the young lady is now eligible for marriage. I know some rather poor Mexican families that couldn't afford the ceremony, but it grieves them and the daughter that it couldn't be done.

AdiÃ³s. jerezano.

AdiÃ³s. jerezano.

PuntaAllenGreg

Aug 1, 2007, 10:11 AM

Post #7 of 22 (3162 views)

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Re: [jerezano] La Quinceaï¿½era

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jerezano,

You are so correct on so many levels. Our next sabrina is just as important as the catered party we recently attended. And more important for a few extra reasons. Our first was a catered affair, paid by others. Today it is up to our 'familia' to make something other than a sidewalk gawk-fest and make her party something she will remember, with great thoughts, for the rest of her life!

She is a good kid and it will be a happy time had by all!

G

jennifer rose

Aug 1, 2007, 10:24 AM

Post #8 of 22 (3156 views)

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Re: [PuntaAllenGreg] La Quinceaï¿½era

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What I've noticed during recent years, and perhaps it's just an upper middle-class phenomenon, is a trend away from the big bashes. I've seen families replacing the big wingding with a small immediate family-only weeknight dinner and trips to the beach, abroad or even long weekend trip to D.F. for the quinceañera.

alex .

Aug 2, 2007, 1:51 PM

Post #9 of 22 (3074 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] La Quinceaï¿½era

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I disagree with the statement that a Quince is necessary. My wife did not have one and is not a social outcast because of it. However, I told her we will make up for it when our daughter turns 15: we'll celebrate for both of them. Of course, that is assuming that my daughter isn't tatood, pregnant, and run off with a biker by then.
Alex

(This post was edited by alex . on Aug 2, 2007, 1:55 PM)

Marlene

Aug 2, 2007, 8:13 PM

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Re: [alex .] La Quinceaï¿½era

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I´ve noticed too that there is a trend toward teenage girls who don't care to have the traditional lavish bash. We had a family member who turned 15 recently and what she, along with her her closest friends, decided as the celebration of choice was a pizza/slumber party. They stayed in and had a great time.

jerezano

Aug 4, 2007, 11:08 AM

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Re: [alex .] La Quinceaï¿½era

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Hello,

Alex said:.. I disagree with the statement that a Quince is necessary.

Alex is right of course. I don't remember anybody saying a Quinceañera is necessary for every girl. Just as in the United States a coming out party for a debutante is in no way necessary, unless the family belongs to the social stratum which believes that it is. Just as white tie is not necessary for every man ... there are social classes where both white tie and the Quinceanera are necessary.

However, here in Mexico it is surprising how many really poor families throw a Quinceanera if they can manage it.

The modern girl, looking at her family's wealth or its lack thereof, will upon mature reflection opt for a very simple ceremony if that wealth cannot bear the strain. A birthday party if you want to call it that.

And of course, there is no "social outcast"[read ostracism]" which follows such a choice--unless the family considers itself in the social class which must throw a bash .

Again, the purpose of the Quinceanera is not to celebrate a birthday but to declare to the world that the young girl is now a woman and may accept "pretendientes" with the blessing of the family.

The dictionary RAE defines the word simply as:
quinceañero, ra.

1. adj. Que tiene quince años o alrededor de esa edad. U. t. c.

It says nothing about the ceremony and the fiesta. Do they throw such a fiesta for the young man of 15? Does our wealthy class in the United States throw a "coming out" party for the young man? No, for the young woman, yes.

Adios. jerezano

(This post was edited by jerezano on Aug 4, 2007, 11:30 AM)

Oscar2

Aug 4, 2007, 6:26 PM

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Re: [jerezano] La Quinceaï¿½era

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Custom in Mexico like most other countries carry with them local meanings inbred in heritage. Much like when in Zacatecas last November, while coming from a delicious Sunday brunch in an absolute unique hotel which was resurrected from the towns old bull ring, once the cities Mecca of los toros.

They did a magnificent job of restoration themed with restaurants, gift shops, and guest rooms emerging in the ambiance of los días de los toros. A hotel, who’s name escapes me (embarrassingly so) which is high on my recommendation list of something not to miss.

Another reason I mentioned this hotel is that same day as we left Sunday brunch, across the street is a very attractive park or I guess you can call it something like a Zocolo, which was humming with visitors.

We new something special had happened that Sunday because families were dressed to the “T’s” and accompanying some of the cutest little girls (about 5 years old or less) dressed in these gorgeous formal little/long dresses similar (I guess) to the coming out dresses of La Quinceañera.

When we enquired of the family accompanying the little girls they gave us the name of the celebration but that too eludes me now. Perhaps those more familiar with this custom know what it’s called.

I'm trying to attach a .jpg photo I think unsuccessfully. I'll give it a go.

(This post was edited by Oscar2 on Aug 4, 2007, 6:30 PM)

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IMG_2220.jpg (32.0 KB)

jerezano

Aug 4, 2007, 6:53 PM

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Re: [Oscar2] La Quinceañera

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Hello all,

Oscar2 in the post to which I'm replying is talking about the La Quinta Royal here in Zacatecas city which is a 5 or more star hotel. What I would term a boutique hotel. When constructed some 5 to 10 years ago it was charging for its Presidential suite $1000 us dollars a night. I have no idea what they are charging now. The ambiance of the hotel, as Oscar2 describes it is to be experienced. Romantic, caring, not plush, but it exudes an air of privacy and care. With one exception: the dining room. Their dining room has been on and off. Sometimes with one chef and manager, excellent food with a wide choice. Service always good. With another chef or another manager, meals overcharged for the not so good value given. They now have a new chef but I have been disappointed in the hotel restaurant so many times I have given up. So, for the money the hotel ambience is worth every dollar. The dining room can be a problem.

Adiós. jerezano.

(This post was edited by jerezano on Aug 4, 2007, 6:56 PM)

esperanza

Aug 4, 2007, 6:58 PM

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Re: [jerezano] La Quinceañera

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Jerezano, that would be the Hotel Quinta Real in Zacatecas.

Oscar, the celebration you mentioned for the children is probably the Feast of the Presentation, for little ones about three years old.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Georgia

Aug 5, 2007, 6:35 AM

Post #15 of 22 (2882 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] La Quinceañera

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Not only here, but in the US latinos celebrate the quinceanera. When my youngest turned 15 we had a big party .. of course the whole family, in laws, outlaws and some people I don't think we even knew were there. My daughter attended an all girl Catholic high school and when her school chums arrived they were a bit dismayed to see this assortment of people of all ages. Thata is, until the music and dancing got going. They had a blast.

Now my daughter is doing event planning for Marriott Hotels in Austin, Texas and she's planning a Mexican wedding event and a quinceanera in the hotel there.

NEOhio1

Aug 5, 2007, 8:16 AM

Post #16 of 22 (2869 views)

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Hotel Quinta Real in Zacatecas

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Friends just returning from the international dance festival in Zacatecas report an excellent time was had by all and the group had varying budgets for accomodations. One couple used "Priceline" for the Hotel Quinta Real and secured a suite room for $160US per night. More than we willingly pay for a bed, but they were very pleased with the property. I think the name of the lowest priced accomodation was Comdessa where a double matrimonial bed room was $550 MN just about what we are willing to pay for a bed (or two if they are small).

Oscar2

Aug 5, 2007, 9:47 AM

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Re: [jerezano] La Quinceañera

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Thank you for the clarification Jerezano and Esperanza. The parents we spoke to gave the event they were celebrating a Spanish name. Based on what you said, I guess you could call it La fiesta de la salida de las niñas, or something along those lines.

I kind of directed the hotel part of this post toward Jerezano, knowing he’d chime in with seasoned critiques only age, experience, and having spent practically a quater of his lifetime there, would make for fair and interesting commentaries.

As a traveler, new to most of the cities we traveled back in November, its always a pleasure and quite a delight when a Sunday rolls around to find one of the nicest hotels with killer ambiance, serving Sunday brunch, and just sit back and enjoy the surrounding while having a nice meal.

When Sunday rolled around in Zacatecas, routinely calls were made to numerious hotels in the area trying to find the nicest hotel with the kind of ambiance which can make food taste even better……;-) The other hotels I spoke too mentioned two hotels that highly fit the bill. One was the Imperial, en el centro and the other was Hotel Quinta Real. Of the two, hands down, the Quinta Real stood tall with atmosphere and character.

We visited the Imperial en el Centro whose lobby was a bit small, as was the dining area, so instead we made a quick U’ee and headed back to Quinta Real. Zacatecas is not a gigantic town but overall, we really liked it. It’s a bustling little town which somewhat reminded us of Guanajuato because it too is a bit hilly. The energy level en el Centro is very high and people watching is fun.

Now Jerezano after you got through Ramboing, the Quinta Real Hotel’s kitchen and desecrating the kitchen staff and the flavor of their food, as an almost a quarter century resident of Zacatecas, it would also seem fair to give back to it something more then the vacuum left behind.

Like for instants, another fine hotel with which in your qualified estimation simmers with flavors taste buds would dance too and eyes could flirt with the impressions of its surroundings. It’s said a good critique is impressive when negative criticisms is substituted with something better………?

Oops, I seem to have segued but back on point, the Mexican family traditions are dipped in the kind of stuff, which makes for strong family ties, tradition and breeds respect for their elders. This feeling is one that has always lingered and as such, is a tremendous draw for me.

I'd like to know how to send two or possibly a few more photos as attachments but can only send one at a time?

(This post was edited by Oscar2 on Aug 5, 2007, 9:47 AM)

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B0004130.jpg (30.5 KB)

jerezano

Aug 6, 2007, 7:01 AM

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Re: [Oscar2] La Quinceañera

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Hello all,

Sorry Oscar2. I didn't mean to trash the Quinta Real hotel in Zacatecas. If I had the money it would be one of my favorite hotels. What I tried to say is, despite the ambience of the Hotel and its dining room with the view of the old bull ring etc, its very pretty hostesses, its excellent service, its courtesy, etc. try the food once and if satisfactory, return. Otherwise, go eat somewhere else where the food is better. For example for steaks Las Costillas de Sanchez (black Angus beef from the USA). Ambience for the birds be damned. Or for seafood either the Veracruzana or Coco's. Chinese food is at the Hong Kong but not real. We tried the only French restaurant in Zacatecas which specializes in crepes but came away disappointed. Italian food? Although the new chef at the Quinta Real is supposed to be a specialist in that, we haven't tried him yet. For Italian food we had to go all the way to Peña de Bernal in Querétaro.

For downright, business type food at reasonable prices and smack dead center in Zacatecas, El Jacal in the Hotel Conde on Independence Square.

As an aside, I took a friend who is an ironworker to lunch at the Quinta Real some years ago when the food was good and after they had been open for a short time and learned from him that he had worked the iron railings in the hotel dining room. Nothing special with the ironwork, but of added interest. He was also in charge of the carpentry crew which renovated Sanborns (a beautiful renovation--an adequate restaurant). He said that the Sanborn's management made him and the crew redo the work three times before they accepted it. Not because their work was bad, but because the Sanborn's criteria were exceedingly high and unexpected in Zacatecas.

Oh, by the way stay from VIPS. Bad service, bad food, bad ambience, bad experience. On the other hand VIPS in Aguascalientes is more than adequate.

Adiós. jerezano

Oscar2

Aug 6, 2007, 12:11 PM

Post #19 of 22 (2758 views)

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Re: [jerezano] La Quinceañera

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Quote

If I had the money it would be one of my favorite hotels. What I tried to say is, despite the ambience of the Hotel and its dining room with the view of the old bull ring etc, its very pretty hostesses, its excellent service, its courtesy, etc. try the food once and if satisfactory, return.

Jerezano, like a true Spartan, in the eyes of Zacatecas, you have redeemed yourself to the statues of Senior Citizen of the Month. Congratulations for the excellent lift and commentary your adopted city of yore deserves......... Laugh

As an aside, please believe me when I say, although I could probably fit into my budget accommodations at La Quinta Real, I too, very much like, NEOhio1, and others, budget my pennies for special treats where we can bask in luxury, even if its only periodic and as needed.

One of our favorite pastimes while traveling is speaking to the locals and enquiring as to which restaurant, tácito stands and other popular haunts they most enjoy going too. For the most part this has proven a true blue method of getting closer to the nature and spirit of the locals environs.

Its funny you should mention Sanborn’s because the following night after having imbibed and danced our calzones off at the unique and one of a kind, popular La Mina de Eden, we ran into dancers which were sitting right next to us at La Mina, at the Sanborn cocktail lounge.

We always enjoy visiting, dining and drinking at Sanborn’s (when available) and that evening after dinner we likened to drink something a little different, so enquiring with the bartender, he suggested one of his special Sangrias.

We enjoy wine coolers but this guy put a concoction together which was not only tangy, sort of sweet and sour but very cold and in a tall glass that had a kick to it because aside from wine and other liquors he hit it with vodka and yum, the evening smoothed out quickly.

We liked Zacatecas whose atmosphere is very much “alive” with shades of Guanajuato, with more parking and ease of getting around. I could easily envision living very nicely in Zacatecas due in part to ease of access to most everything needed within walking distance if living near or within El Centro. Aside from winters getting a bit frigid, beyond this, prices are good and living is very adaptable.

Ed and Fran

Aug 9, 2007, 6:09 PM

Post #20 of 22 (2669 views)

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Re: [NEOhio1] Hotel Quinta Real in Zacatecas

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One couple used "Priceline" for the Hotel Quinta Real and secured a suite room for $160US per night. More than we willingly pay for a bed, but they were very pleased with the property. I think the name of the lowest priced accomodation was Comdessa where a double matrimonial bed room was $550 MN just about what we are willing to pay for a bed (or two if they are small).

We just got back from Zacatecas (and AGS) this evening, which is why I'm just getting around to replying. In Zacatecas we stayed at the "Hostal de la Calle de Abajo", a 3 star hotel (with only 7 rooms), for which we paid 499 for a double with one matrimonial bed. They charged the same 499 for our two kids (okay, one kid and one niece) to stay in another room with two matrimonial beds. I liked ours better as it had a sofa and generally more space. Clean and interesting. We'd go back there again. Less than 10 minutes walk to the cathedral. No a/c but they had fans. Not perfect, but certainly okay for us. Of course, I don't really know how you like your hotels except for the price comment.

We normally target 350-500 pesos. We splurged at the top of our price range because we had stayed in a 2 star in AGS (trying to hold to the budget because we needed two rooms with the kids).

In any case, there's one more data point for you.

Regards

Ed & Fran

jerezano

Aug 10, 2007, 4:01 PM

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Re: [Ed and Fran] Hotel Quinta Real in Zacatecas

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Hello,

Thanks Ed and Fran for your experiences in Zacatecas. El Hostal del Calle Abajo is indeed a good choice.

Another for people who don't have a car to worry about is the Hostal Villa Colonial, which is in the same price range and is up the hill one block from the Cathedral on C. Primero de Mayo.

Good web sites to check prices and offerings from the Hostales are www.hostellingmexico.com or www.hostelworld.com

I'm glad that you folks, Ed and Fran, enjoyed Zacatecas. As you now know Zacatecas City has a lot to offer tourists.

AdiÃ³s. jerezano

(This post was edited by Rolly on Aug 10, 2007, 5:38 PM)

MazDee

Aug 10, 2007, 11:29 PM

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Re: [jerezano] Hotel Quinta Real in Zacatecas

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What do you think about Posada de la Moneda? That's where I stayed, and I liked it. It is so central, you can walk so many places, and it is economical. When I travel to the colonial cities, I always try to stay on or near the principal plaza. Of course, I don't worry about noise, which occasionally happens. I read a book and sleep in the morning!