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.
Quinceanera dress
Object Details
- date made
- 2006
- distributor
- P.C. Mary's Inc.
- wearer
- Flores, Natalia
- maker
- unknown
- Description
- Natalia Flores wore this pink silver-embroidered evening gown for her Quinceanera held in Chicago in 2006. Quinceaneras are a Latina religious tradition that celebrate the maturing of a girl into a woman. Traditionally, the celebration takes place on the girl's fifteenth birthday, is religious in nature, and involves her dressing in a formal gown.
- American immigrants have strived to preserve their cultural identities through performing these traditions. Although Natalia's mother did not have a Quinceanera in Mexico, she thought it was important for her daughter to experience this custom in America.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- place made
- China
- place used
- United States: Illinois, Chicago
- Associated Place
- United States: Illinois, Chicago
- wearer's community
- Latina
- used
- Quinceanera
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Costume
- Family & Social Life
- Clothing & Accessories
- Credit Line
- Gift of Natalia Flores
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- 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
- Record ID
- nmah_1357209