The quinceañera is a rite of passage in Latina culture, marking the transition from girlhood to womanhood. It’s also the subject of a new book of essays about the tradition and its place in popular culture. We spoke with the collection’s editors.

To discuss quinceañeras and their history and significance, The 21st was joined by a professor of Latino/Latina Studies and two students who recently celebrated their own quinceañeras.

To discuss quinceañeras and their history and significance, The 21st was joined by a professor of Latino/Latina Studies and two students who recently celebrated their own quinceañeras.