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by Michael Kabel
Did you know that the Southern United States has one of the fastest growing Latino communities in the world? The states of Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana are al hotbeds of Latin growth and development, with more families settling there every year. It's a trend that experts believe will continue into at least the near future.
If you're a Latina Southern belle, either new to the region or born and raised, you might be thinking about how to inject some local color into your Quinceañera fiesta. Combining the south's own uniquely laid back charm and elegance with decorative accents from your heritage is a great way to display your own "woman of two worlds" identity. You'll be on the cutting edge of style, too: the Quinceañera gets bigger every year, and many believe that's because young Latina women are embracing American cultural ideas and mixing them with the traditional Quince celebration.
We've broken down ways to make your Quince fiesta "southern style" below.
The Quinceañera Gown
As made famous by Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind, the Southern debutante gown is a masterpiece of over-the-top elegance. With a sophisticated bodice and cascading folds to the skirt and vivid color, the Southern gown is a picture of traditional beauty.
Much of the South, especially Florida and Louisiana, was heavily developed by Spanish settlers, just like Latin America. Because those states have a shared connection to the European elements of the Quinceañera, the Southern style gown is a natural complement to Latin American celebrations - they come from the same inspiration. The traditional Southern gown, available in vintage clothing stores and in plenty of patterns, makes a perfect counterpoint to your Quince decorations, or a centerpiece for all your Southern-style charm.
The Quinceañera Fiesta
How best to bring Southern culture to your Quince fiesta? With roaring jazz music? Romantic country and western tunes played in waltz time? What about the decorations?
For sheer elegance and Old World refinement, an Antebellum mansion or antique house definitely sets the ultimate standard. Their huge ballrooms, winding and twisting staircases, and impeccably decorated salons create traditional grace and formal ambience.
Many southern towns and cities have Antebellum or similarly historical homes available for private events; some even offer on-site catering and entertainment. The usage fees for these venues can sometimes be quite high, but they do work wonders in creating an atmosphere of elegant sophistication and cross-world heritage for all your guests.
The music you choose can be a demonstration of your embracing both cultures. You might mix some tejano up with jazz, or the traditional salsa with country and western songs. It's all up to your own designer vision.
The Food & Drink
Like the venue, the food you serve your guests can combine the best of your heritage with the stomach-filling cuisine of the old south. Maybe some old fashioned family recipes will go good with tall pitchers of iced tea or lemonade - the traditional Southern beverages. Southern friend chicken could complement Spanish rice pretty well, creating a hybrid taste experience for everyone. You might serve a traditional meal with Southern deserts like key lime pie or doberge, or vice versa. |