A quinceañera is the celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday, marking her passage from girlhood to womanhood. On November 16, sophomore Crystal Chavez celebrated her birthday with family and friends in a traditional quinceañera.

The first part of the quince started at around 3 p.m. with a church ceremony with Chavez’ pastor. Mostly family, and family friends, were invited to the ceremony. Chavez was crowned and received a prayer from her pastor in which everybody bowed their heads and some stuck out their hands. The pastor placed his hand on Chavez’ head during the prayer.

After getting pictures with family, the people moved over to Bethel College to celebrate with food and dancing. Many gifts were given and many dances were performed by Chavez and her Chambelanes during the party.

The sister of Crystal, senior Salma Chavez, worked behind the scenes throughout the quince and gave a speech after Crystal danced. “It was like a dream come true for me being the older sister,” Salma said. “I never imagined her in a big dress getting ready for her big day.”

Of course the preparation didn’t just come with ease and happiness. “All of this happiness also came with a lot of tears, sweat and stress just so her day would be special,” Salma said.