The word “quinceañera” derives from two Spanish words- “quince” (fifteen) and “años” (years) and is used in two ways. The young girl celebrating her 15th birthday is called a quinceañera, while the elaborate party, dance, and debutante-style event marking the day that she leaves childhood behind and becomes a young woman is also called a quinceañera. While this milestone celebration is marked by tradition, it is also influenced by changing times and trends like any other.
Jackie Camargo is the director of Quinceañera Kansas City magazine, and after 12 years in the quinceañera business, she is up on the latest desires of girls and their families for 2024.
“It’s super amazing,” she says. “The dresses, the trends, the colors, and textures about the quinceañera have changed a lot since I began 12 years ago.”
One trend she has noticed is the quinceañeras and their families celebrating their regional ethnicities. For instance, in the Southwest, girls and their attendants have embraced arriving at the venue on horseback, with the horses themselves adorned with decorated manes and tails in the quinceañera’s colors. Limousines and extended SUVs remain popular, especially when decorated with the event’s colors.
Other “statement arrivals” increasing in popularity include caravans of antique cars.
“I feel like the biggest trend is that girls are starting to recognize their roots,” Camargo says. “They are all Latinas, but they want their country of origin, whether it’s Mexico or South America, acknowledged at the quinceañera.”
Respect for heritage is evident in clothing, accessories, music, and food. Elements of the quinceañera that are unique to Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay, and other regions are finding their way into the modern Latino-American quinceañera.
“Families also want bigger, more complex events,” she says. “Entertainers, dancers, and electronic dance floors.”
Black has not traditionally been a choice for quinceañera dresses, but it has become popular recently, adding a touch of elegance and drama.
Color trends for quinceañera dresses in 2024 include emerald green, symbolizing balance and harmony. A subtle sage represents growth and renewal, while its opposite, hot pink, communicates energy and playfulness. Royal blue, burgundy, and red remain popular, and soft lavender is making inroads.
Ball Event Center regularly hosts quinceañeras for young women and their happy families. The large and versatile space offers plenty of options, including nearly unlimited opportunities around decor, menu, and music. Convenience is key, too, with on-site event staff, set-up and tear-down, dressing rooms, and preparation areas, along with plentiful on-site parking. Out-of-town guests appreciate Ball’s location just off a major highway and its proximity to many local hotels.
Practicalities and convenience aside, “Families want an amazing celebration for their little girl,” Camargo says. “A quinceañera provides a connection, a tradition that girls and their families can celebrate together, a source of inspiration that parents can give to their daughters.”
Start planning your quinceañera celebration with Ball Event Center! Click here to see a list of Ball Event Center’s amenities!
