As in most of Latin America, it´s traditional in Guatemala to celebrate your 15th birthday - especially for girls. Well recently I was invited to my friend Abi´s birthday celebration.
But it´s not really like an equivalent 18th birthday celebration in the UK. Here, the birthday girl gets dressed up - in a big way. Many of the Quinceñera dresses look more like wedding dresses than anything else - and the comparison with a wedding doesn´t stop there. (For the Chistians at least) there´s a church service - complete with a procession of the family (all dressed in matching/ complementary colours) and then the birthday girl. Worship and a sermon are then followed by asking the girl to make certain promises about her adult life.
(Although talking to a few other people, the promises weren´t the normal part of things - and perhaps had more to do with the fact that Abi´s dad is also the pastor).
Anyway it was definitely a family event, with each member of the family making a speech and giving a special gift.
On this occasion, it had a slightly 'Wimbledon' feel - as we started off outside in a beautiful garden - but then as the mist drew in, and umbrellas went up as the mist turned into rain, they eventually decided to relocate to the marquee prepared for the reception!
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