Hispanic Cultural Traditions

Hispanic Culture is known for it’s bright colors and festivities, but what most people don’t know is that the Hispanic culture has a lot of background and traditions that have been held for years. Like the Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo, and Sanfermines, the Quinceñera is very prominent in all Hispanic culture. But, these aren’t just celebrations they are symbols.
In particular, these festive celebrations have many age old traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. For example one of these traditions is called “ The Changing of the Shoe”, this custom is a very distinctive part of the ceremony, this is when the father, of the one who has the Quinceñera, takes the flats (shoes) off of her feet and puts on a high heel in place of the flat. This is very significant in the changing of a young girl (flat shoes) to a woman (high heels), it represents a journey that the young woman has completed. Secondly, the birthday girl is also presented with the “Last Doll”, this represents her days of being a child, are over. It reminds her of her duties and responsibilities as a woman. Lastly the Waltz Dance with her escort or a man is symbolized as the first dance with a male.
Well, the whole party is based around one young girl becoming a woman and discovering her role in the community, family, and the world. A few centuries ago when a girl turned a certain age she would be separated from the boys and have different jobs and duties to carry out. In modern day it’s much simpler but, it still symbolizes a new time in her life. The other meaning is that now the girl will be expected to be more of a woman’s duty, like being ready to marry a man and be able to conceive children and care for them. (obviously this is very old-fashioned) In modern day, it is similar but not the