The birthday girl--Leila
Some teens from our church, enjoying the party
Wow! What a night! Last night was my first experience attending a girl's 15th birthday party or quincinera (sp?) in Argentina. As I yawn and rub my tired eyes from going to bed at 1:30 a.m. I will try to tell you a little bit about it while it is still fresh in my mind. (Honestly, I am just glad I was able to go to bed by then, normally, quincineras are an all night event!)
These grand fiestas are a tradition not only in Argentina, but, I believe, in all Spanish/Latin American cultures and are about as big as a wedding and reception to give you an idea of the magnitude. Girls look forward to their 15th bday party for years and can't wait to put on the big puffy gown and party with all their friends. It's there one night that's all about them! It is kind of like a Jewish Barmitzvah; it is the step where a young girl becomes a woman. Thankfully, we attended a Christian quincinera last night that was held at a neighboring church, so there was no dancing and drinking which normally goes along with these parties. It was a very enjoyable time and good experience for us!
Alright, enough background, now back to the party. It started about 8 last night, Matt went in the overcrowded van with the teenagers and Pastor's family, I stayed back a bit with the kiddos and rode in with some friends. When we arrived there was quite a crowd gathering (free food always helps :) and there was pretty decorated tables to sit at with aqua blue ribbons on the ceiling, heart-shaped balloons on the walls in pink, green and blue, and a beautiful 3 tiered cake centerpiece (will talk more about that later ;) with pretty souvenirs on each side. People were chatting everywhere, esp. the teenagers. There was a buzz of noise and excitement as everyone waited for the birthday girl's grand entrance. The poor girl, ya had to feel a bit sorry for her, she is very shy and not used to being the center of attention, but at the same time was anxious to enjoy her special night. When she came through the church doors on her father's arm, all decked out in her aqua blue dress and white wrap, complete with gloves and a tiara, she was met by quite a sight. First, confetti exploded from 2 pressurized cans; it was pretty to watch it streaming to the ground and announcing her arrival! (Too bad it scared my 2 babies to death, it took Clara a while to recover from that one!) Next, the aisle was lined with all of her friends, the guys each held a red rose for her and the girls had a candle that she blew out as she hugged and greeted each of them amidst her red face and tears.
As the night progressed, her big bro. played his guitar and sang a song to his "little princess" sister, which of course, was accompanied by more tears. There was a video presentation of her parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. giving her their well-wishes. Naturally, followed by a slideshow of pics. of the birthday girl throughout her childhood. (I love seeing pics, esp. of people in different stages of their lives~So Neat!) Then the food started to come, sandwiches of all types and sizes, and sweets to match. Just when I thought I would bust, they would bring out something else! Trays and trays piled HIGH with food! We all enjoyed that, and Clara really got into the tasty treats, you should have seen her digging into the whipped cream! Ethan was less impressed and snoozed off and on through out the night, choosing to ignore all the noises around him. ;)
Later on, there were more songs and sweet things said about the birthday girl. In fact, everyone got in on the singing as they had a game planned for that. There was a song taped to the bottom of each table and all the people at that table had to stand up and sing that song. It was pretty comical to watch and listen to! Also, Matt played his violin and sang a duet with our Youth Pastor, they did a pretty good job, too! (Ok, so I am a bit prejudiced, but they really did, honest!)
Alright, now for the CAKE! It was INCREDIBLE! As you can see in the pics.; quite the masterpiece. I heard it was very rich and tasty, too, with dulce de leche (like carmel but way, WAY better) in the middle. However, I must confess that by the time the cake came around I was completely STUFFED and did not sample it ;) I guess that is a good problem, right?!
Clara got to play with her "boyfriend" (Alejo, our Youth Pastor's son), too, so she was HaPpY!
Had to stick this pic. in, too, cuz they are just too cute together; such fun to watch :)
All in all, it was a good time and I came home with my worn out kiddos, not to mention myself, and we all went to bed with a smile on our tired, yet happy faces!
P.S. As nice as it was, Matt and I are already planning and scheming to be on furlough when Clara turns 15 (that's a lot of money, ya know! lol) Thankfully, since she is quickly approaching her 3rd birthday, we have a LONG, LOOOOOONNGGG Time before we have to think about that! (Big sigh of relief and contentment, Wheew!)
