What is it?

A quinceañera is a coming-of-age party in Latino culture for when a girl turns 15. It originated from a blending between Aztec, Mayan, and Spanish culture. It is a tradition that emphasizes family (except for you, Henry) and friendship.

Where is it?

Sofia's quinceañera will be held in what is unquestionably the best Mexican restaurant within a 40 foot radius of itself: Adelita, located at 1200 Main Street, Concord, MA.

What to wear?

The lady of the hour will be resplendent in a traditional dress, and the room will be decorated to match. We recommend that you be dressed in either semi-formal attire or a full set of medieval armor.

Where do I stay?

Concord has a number of local options (Nick, you can't sleep on my lawn, the sprinklers will get you). Other towns nearby with accommodations are Burlington and Lexington. Here are some hotels and inns to try:

What are we eating?

There will be a lot of food, and it will all be good, and if you disagree you will know where to go. If you have any allergies please let us know when you arrive (or ahead of time if you are more comfortable) and we will accommodate. Food will be served family style and in great quantities. There will be cake. For Sofia's friends that attended her last birthday party, yes, there will be guacos.

Traditions

Doll Throwing and Shoe Swapping

There will be some traditions that will occur throughout the night to symbolize Sofia's transition into adulthood. One of these involves a doll thrown into the crowd to symbolize letting go of childhood. In another, Sofia will have to swap her comfortable shoes for a pair of heels and dance in them (which could end up very poorly). The shoe swapping represents her embracing adulthood.

Father-Daughter Dance

Unfortunately for Sofia, it is customary for the birthday girl to dance with her father. This means that Sofia will have to actually acknowledge her father's existence in public, while dancing. The dance symbolizes (you guessed it) growing up and letting go of childhood. What makes this especially complicated is that her father is about as coordinated as a sack of wet mice, and he can count the number of times he has been referred to as an "adult" with one hand.