Once upon a quinceañera : coming of age in the USA / Julia Alvarez.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Alvarez, Julia.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Quinceañera (Social custom)--United States.

Quinceañera (Social custom).

Hispanic Americans--Social life and customs.

Hispanic Americans.

Hispanic Americans--Rites and ceremonies.

Rites and ceremonies.

United States.

Physical Description:

278 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Viking, 2007.

Summary:

The quinceañera, the fifteenth birthday celebration for a Latina girl, is quickly becoming an American event. This legendary party is a sight to behold: lavish ball gowns, extravagant catered meals, DJs, limousines, and multi-tiered cakes. The must-haves for a "quince" are becoming as numerous and costly as a prom or wedding. And yet, this elaborate ritual also hearkens back to traditions from native countries and communities, offering young Latinas a chance to connect with their heritage. Writer Alvarez explores this celebration that brings a Latina girl into womanhood, attending the quince of a young woman in Queens, and weaving in interviews with other quince girls, her own memories of coming of age as an immigrant, and the history of the custom itself. The result is an enlightening, accessible, and entertaining portrait of contemporary Latino culture.--From publisher description.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [277]-278).

ISBN:

9780670038732

0670038733

OCLC:

76835990