'From a little girl to a young lady': The history of the quinceañera

For generations, the quinceañera has marked a milestone in Hispanic culture. But behind the dresses, the dancing, and the celebration is something deeper: a tradition rooted in faith, family, and community.

For generations, the quinceañera has marked a milestone in Hispanic culture. But behind the dresses, the dancing, and the celebration is something deeper: a tradition rooted in faith, family, and community.

For generations, the quinceañera has marked a milestone in Hispanic culture. But behind the dresses, the dancing, and the celebration is something deeper: a tradition rooted in faith, family, and community.

For generations, the quinceañera has marked a milestone in Hispanic culture. But behind the dresses, the dancing, and the celebration is something deeper: a tradition rooted in faith, family, and community.

HOUSTON, Texas -- For generations, the quinceañera has marked a milestone in Hispanic culture.

It's the 15th birthday of a young girl stepping into womanhood.

But behind the dresses, the dancing, and the celebration is something deeper: a tradition rooted in faith, family, and community.

 Ever since you were a little girl in the Latino culture, we have been dreaming of this special day,  said Quinceañera World co-owner Jeanette Garcia.

Twenty years ago, Trinity University Professor Norma Cantú gave a presentation that traced where the quinceañera may have begun.

 We have all kinds of different traditions that we think it comes from,  Cantú said.  Mostly European court presentations, cotillions, coming out parties. In Mexico, during the colonial period and even up through contemporary times, the age of 15 is when the young woman was considered of age to be married. 

The quinceañera includes many key moments, like the religious ceremony, the dances, and the final doll.

 The doll's dress should be as similar as her dress that she'll have on her special day,  Garcia said.  It is saying this is your last doll. 

But one of the most important pieces? The dress.

Garcia helps young girls and their famili
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