Natalia Flores' Quinceañera Dress

A dress, a tradition, and a transition to señorita

To Chicagoan Natalia Flores, this gown seemed the perfect option to wear to her quinceañera (or simply quince), a coming-of-age celebration held throughout Latin America and Latinx communities. Part birthday party and part religious rite of passage, the event marks the symbolic moment when a 15-year-old Latina becomes a young woman. Quinceañera ceremonies typically begin at a Catholic church, with a blessing attended by close family and friends. After the ceremony, the elegant niña heads to a jubilant reception rich in symbolism.

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Quinceanera dress

distributor: P.C. Mary's Inc.
wearer: Flores, Natalia
: unknown

Location: Currently not on view

Credit Line: Gift of Natalia Flores

2006

ID Number: 2009.0169.001
accession number: 2009.0169
catalog number: 2009.0169.001

Object Name: dress
Object Type: Main Dress; Entire Body; Woman; Dress

Physical Description: polyester (overall material); nylon (overall material); beading (neckline material); sequins (bodice material)
Measurements: skirt length: 42 1/2 in; 107.95 cm; bodice length: 16 1/4 in; 41.275 cm; overall length: 53 1/4 in; 135.255 cm; inside sleeve length: 18 in; 45.72 cm

place made: China
place used: United States: Illinois, Chicago
Associated Place: United States: Illinois, Chicago

National Museum of American History

subject: Latino; Quinceanera

Record ID: nmah_1357209

Usage of Metadata (Object Detail Text): CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-3efe-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Natalia Flores' Quinceañera Dress

A dress, a tradition, and a transition to señorita

Quinceanera dress

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