Guide to the Quince Años Documentation

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of liturgical materials, audiovisual aids, and hymnals developed by Sister Angela Erevia, MCDP, intended for use during the religious observance portion of the Quince Años (fifteenth birthday) celebration. The handbooks and booklets included in the collection are intended to prepare quinceañera/quinceañero youth, their families, and religious staff for the Quince Años celebration while also centering the Catholic faith.

Arrangement

Collection is arranged into one series. Materials are arranged topically.

Historical Note

The celebration of Quince Años is a social, coming-of-age event that is held when US Latino and Latin American youth (usually young women) turn fifteen years old to celebrate their societal debut into adulthood. Quince Años are celebrated throughout Latin America and in parts of the United States. Young women celebrating their Quince Años are referred to as quinceañeras, while young men are called quinceañeros. While Quince Años celebrations are not meant to be religious, families of Catholic quinceañeras and quinceañeros who wished to center their Catholic faith as part of the celebration have worked with religious staff to incorporate Catholic elements and practices. Sister Angela Erevia, part of the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence and current Director of Hispanic Ministry through the Diocese of Dodge City, developed pamphlets and videos to help quinceañera and quinceañero youth, their families, and religious staff prepare for the religious part of the Quince Años celebration.