The fiesta de quinceañera is a celebration in Latin American countries on the 15th birthday of a female child. It is a passage of her life from childhood to womanhood, and like many Latin American traditions has its roots in the Catholic Church as well as ancient rites of passage of the indigenous people in the area. There also the influence of the Spanish court from the era when Spain held many of the Latin American and South American countries. As the Spanish court held lavish balls, so did the tradition follow that the honoree 15 year olds would wear formal gowns. It is similar to the debutante balls that were popular in the 18th century in Europe and mainly England. Debutante balls still occur in England, and in the U.S. especially the South.
In earlier times, it signaled the rite of girls to act and dress like a woman. The celebrations were used as an opportunity for girls to meet men as they were considered of marrying age. Modern times have changed the celebration from that, as 15 no longer is considered of marrying age in most areas.
The fiesta de quinceañera is especially prevalent in Mexico and in the U.S. that have hispanic populations. They can be quite lavish, with the young woman dressed in a long formal gown and adorned with lots of jewelry and makeup. The festivities usually begin in the church with a mass of thanksgiving, and followed by a reception where all the guests are seated and the quinceañera makes a grand entrance. A toast is made by the parents or godparents, then the girl is introduced by her father. The first dance, usually a waltz, is danced by the father and the girl. Traditionally girls under 15 were not allowed to dance, so this also symbolizes her coming of age, and in some festivals the dance after the first waltz is quite elaborate and choreographed.
Un Grupo de Mexicali was hired to play and commissioned to compose an original waltz for the first dance for a family in Mexicali, Mexico. They joined forces with an orchestra, and sent a recording to us in a version that includes verses in English for their non-Spanish speaking fans in the U.S.!
Primer vals con papá vida mía
Giro lento no quiero soltar
Se me escapa una lágrima tibia
Mientras creces al compás
Hoy el tiempo se inclina a tus pasos
Y yo vuelvo contigo a empezar
Primer vals con papá luz del alma
Nunca voy a dejarte de amar
First waltz with Papa my darling
A slow turn I don't want to let go
A warm tear escapes me
As to the rhythm you grow
Today time bows to your steps
And I begin again with you
First waltz with Papa light of my soul
I will never stop loving you
Lazo rosa brillo en tu mirar
Tus tacones tiemblan un poquito
Y mi mano te viene a guiar
Ríes suave me quieres probar
"¿Bailas conmigo?" me dices traviesa
Y mi mundo se vuelve tu altar
Pink ribbon and a sparkle about you
Your heels tremble just a little
And my hand comes to guide you
You laugh softly you want to test me
"Will you dance with me?"you ask mischievously
And my world becomes just you and me
Giro lento no quiero soltar
Se me escapa una lágrima tibia
Mientras creces al compás
Hoy el tiempo se inclina a tus pasos
Y yo vuelvo contigo a empezar
Primer vals con papá luz del alma
Nunca voy a dejarte de amar
A slow turn I don't want to let go
A warm tear escapes me
As to the rhythm you grow
Today time bows to your steps
And I begin again with you
First waltz with Papa light of my soul
I will never stop loving you
Búscame en este viejo cantar
En tu quince yo juro en silencio
Siempre ser tu lugar
Look for me in this old song
On your fifteenth birthday, I silently swear
Always be for you and stay strong
Giro lento no quiero soltar
Se me escapa una lágrima tibia
Mientras creces al compás
Hoy el tiempo se inclina a tus pasos
Y yo vuelvo contigo a empezar
Primer vals con papá luz del alma
Nunca voy a dejarte de amar
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