The quinceanos party, finally.

We had a blast at the quinceanos party!  It was so much fun!  We waited all day to get ready.  In fact, we even took a nap as we knew that we would be out very late.

We had asked our host, Gabriel, to let us know what time we should arrive.  We explained that one of the disadvantages of being gringo is that we have this notion that we should arrive at a specific time for events.  Many Mexicans just don't have the same concept of time that we gringos do.  Gabriel said that we should arrive no sooner than eight o'clock in the evening.  This was perfect.  It would give us a lot of time to get a bus and then a cab to Por Venier, where the party was being held.

We caught a bus at the bus stop in Sayulita.  We were hoping for the new, air conditioned bus as we didn't want to arrive hot and sweaty but didn't get that lucky.  We were lucky that we were able to get seats as we were leaving at the same time as many of the workers leave town to go back home after a long day.  We got into Mezcales just before eight o'clock and decided to wait around for a few minutes before we caught a cab.  We didn't want to look over anxious.  While we were standing there JD pointed out this street sign to me.

We thought it interesting that the street signs were sponsored by the largest beer company in the country.  Victoria had once told us that Mexicans don't drink beer, the drink Corona!

We caught a cab a few minutes later at the cabstand.  The cabbie said he knew where he was taking us and did quite well but didn't know exactly where we were going.  It was a good thing that we had gone out a few days before.  It saved us a lot of anxiety about being lost.  We found the venue quickly and, of course, we were early. 

There were a few people there, mostly setting up tables, and chairs and attending to last minute details.  We lingered about looking at the photo montage that had been assembled of Alejandra and put on display.  She looked just like a princess!  It was clear that it was her special day.  Here is a blurry picture of the montage.

It was only a few moments before one of the family members from the restaurant recognized us.  His name was Eric.  He grabbed his cell phone, dialed Gabriel and came strolling toward us.  Eric has very limited English but knew who we were and that we would likely be looking for Gabriel.  He handed the phone to JD and told us that Gabriel was on the other end of the phone.  Gabriel told us he would be there in just a few minutes.  This was just the beginning of the kind of attention we would receive through out the evening.

While we were waiting for Gabriel and his family to arrive we looked at the cake table.  This one was for the Quincenyera  (another name for the birthday girl)

 

 

These were for each of the tables.  ALL of the cakes were made by Alejandra's abuela (grandmother)  at home, in her kitchen, thank you very much.  They were delicious!

These were the flowers for the gift table.  The lilies were enormous.  There was a vase of roses on each table, just like the one on the right. 

Gabriel arrived shortly and introduced us to his lovely wife MaryCruz and "his beautiful daughter" Frida (It is really sweet that he refers to them, always, as his beautiful wife and beautiful daughter ).  Neither of them speak much English but, somehow we managed to have quite a conversation about MaryCruz's work as a massage therapist in a resort spa and Frida's desire to travel to India after she finishes college.  Most of you know how I can go on and on and on about India. 

Alejandra looked gorgeous in her dress and make-up.

The idea behind the quinceanos party is that the Quincenyera is no longer a child but is on her way to adulthood.  She is putting aside childish things like her toys, dolls, hula hoops etc.  In the center of the field one of the older cousins (I think) had strewn rose petals.  Then there were placed upon the rose petals her old hula hoop, a doll, and a streamer much like those used in Olympic ribbon dancing competitions.  Alejandra was seated on a chair in the middle of the field and the ceremony began.  Cue music.

One of her younger, female cousins began riding Alejandra's childhood bike around the field.  Then she picked up the ribbon and did a short dance.  Then she picked up the doll and the hula hoop and walked to Alejandra.  When each of them were standing on opposite sides of the hula hoop there was a short segment of passing the doll back and forth through the hula hoop signifying Alejandra's growing up. The younger cousin took possession of it in the end.

The it was her father, Fernando's turn.  He approached her with her very first pair of (very) high heels and, kneeling before her, replaced her sandals with said heels.  Her mother, Monica, then stepped forward and placed a tiara on Alejandra's head.  This is a reminder to her that she will always be a princess in the eyes of her parents.  It was very emotional.

These are very serious affairs second only to her wedding.  After the ceremony there was lots of dancing, lots of music from a Mariachi band, a DJ, complete with strobe lights, smoke machine and video screens (which were put to use showing a video of Alejandra's life at one point).  Everyone got into the act, including yours truly.  The music came from a wide variety of genres including rap and, Credence Clearwater Revival. 

Food was served thorough out.  One only needed walk up to the taco wagon and place an order.  Beer appeared out of no where.  We think that Gabriel told the wait staff to be sure that our beer was never cold, he denies this but I was never without a cold beer, ever.  Gabriel is quite gifted in his ability to make sure that everyone has a good time.   

It was very late when we finally convinced Gabriel that we needed to find a taxi.  This was after he had spoken to his mom about letting us stay at her place and trying to convince us to stay at his place.  Hey, it was ok, Frida wouldn't mind giving up her bed.  We were both so touched by their hospitality but I just couldn't imagine what his mom, who was more than willing to have us, would do with two gringos in the morning.  She doesn't speak English and my Spanish just isn't good enough for early morning conversation. 

 

Gabriel found a cousin who was sober enough to drive us to the taxi stand in the next town over, ask the rate, which was much cheaper than it would have been if we had approached the driver first, put us in, sent us home and returned to the party. 

Did I mention that they were just putting Arrachera on the grill when we left?  Arrachera is marinated flank steak that is grilled and usually served with tortillas.  It is one of our favorite dishes here.  We got to bed at four AM.  Gabriel told us later that he got home about five AM.

There is far more to this story than I can relay here.  Here is link to a Wikipedia article if you would like to know more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincea%C3%B1era

I will end here by saying that we had a wonderful time, were very appreciative of Gabriel's family for their generosity, hospitality and tireless attention to a couple of gringos who just happened to wander into their family. 

Love to you all,
Jan