The 21st Show

Coming of age with a quinceañera

 
A shopper looks at Quinceañera dresses at a shop on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, in Los Angeles. Quinceañera is a Latin American tradition to celebrate a girl's 15th birthday.

A shopper looks at Quinceañera dresses at a shop on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, in Los Angeles. Quinceañera is a Latin American tradition to celebrate a girl's 15th birthday. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Across the world, there are traditions in place that celebrate a young girl's transition into adulthood. In Latin American cultures, the quinceañera is one such tradition. at the Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois in Urbana, there is an exhibit on the quinceañera, highlighting the importance of this coming-of-age event for Latin Americans. It’s celebrated across the world, and Central Illinois is no exception.

The curator of that exhibit, along with two high school students who recently celebrated their quinceañeras joined The 21st to discuss the tradition, its history, and its significance.

GUESTS: 

Angharad Valdivia

Guest Faculty Curator, Spurlock Museum | Research Professor, Institute of Communications Research | Professor of Latino/Latina Studies and Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Alexa Valadez-Ramirez 

Student, Urbana High School

Yadhira Rodriguez

Student, Urbana High School

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

Help shape our coverage on The 21st by joining our texting group and answering weekly questions. To join, text “TALK” to 217-803-0730 or sign up with your phone number below: