A Father's Responsibilities for a Daughter's Quinceanera

Be an Escort

• A traditional quinceanera begins with the Mass of Thanking, or Misa de Accion de Gracias. The birthday girl traditionally wears a white dress to represent her purity, and she is escorted down the aisle by her father, mother and godparents. A reception takes place after the Mass, and each of the members of the court -- usually 14 girls and 15 boys -- is introduced, much like at the reception of a wedding. The birthday girl makes a grand entrance at the reception, and she is escorted by her father.

Change the Shoes

• Because a quinceanera is meant to symbolize a girl's transition into womanhood, it is assumed that she has not previously worn high heels. The girl wears flats during the Mass while a young boy carries a satin pillow with a pair of high heels on it. There is some debate about when the heels are given to the girl, but it typically takes place after the Mass, sometimes at the end of it but also often during the reception. The girl's father is the one to give her the shoes and make the symbolic change.

Dance

• After a girl's father has given her the high heels, they dance a father-daughter waltz. Again, this is very similar to the first father-daughter dance at a wedding reception. Some modern quinceanera celebrations forgo the waltz and choose contemporary music for the father-daughter dance. Some have even chosen a dance routine. However, the father's responsibility to have the dance is a constant.

Give a Toast

• The father of the birthday girl also gives a traditional toast, known as a brindis. This can take place at the Mass or the reception. Typically, the toast is given at the reception either before or after the lighting of 15 candles on the cake. The toast includes a father's good wishes for his daughter, and it may be followed by toasts from other family members or guests.