Some girls have a sweet 16 party. Others have a bat mitzvah when they turn 13. But in the Latin culture, a quinceañera is celebrated when a girl turns 15. (In Spanish, quince translates to the number 15.)

“This is a time to thank God for the girl, and bless her as she makes the transition from childhood into womanhood,” explains Father Ruben Munoz.

The Colombian native, who is a priest at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in TC, has presided over more than half a dozen quinceañeras in the past two years. 

During the mass, 15 candles are lit, rosaries are prayed, and flowers are given to the Virgin Mary. After that, it’s time to party – typically, in high style.

Olympia Sanchez, a ninth grader at TC West Senior High, celebrated her quinceañera last month. Her religious ceremony, which included 140 friends and family, was held at Bay Pointe Community Church. Afterward, 400 people, including her grandmother from Mexico, packed the Park Place Hotel for the celebration.

“[For my 15th birthday] my mom offered me a car, party, or a cruise. I chose the party because I felt I would remember it forever,” says Olympia. “I had been looking forward to this since I was a little girl.”

Her mom, Nancy Sanchez, who is a social worker for the state, also had a quinceañera when she turned 15. She began planning for her daughter’s big event in November.

 “Living in Traverse City, we are far away from our Hispanic heritage and culture. It’s important to pass these traditions on to my daughters,” says Nancy.

Some people compare the party to a wedding. There’s a photographer, live music and dancing, a cake, and lots of great food.

And, like with weddings, finding the perfect gown is essential. Nancy says her daughter had always wanted a “big, puffy dress.” They found her dream dress in a boutique in Grand Rapids, a city with a large Hispanic population.

Like any gal on her big day, Olympia was treated like a princess. Fourteen of her girlfriends, representing each year of Olympia’s life, made up her court or, in Spanish, damas. Olympia, as the 15th member, entered the party wearing purple sneakers. As a symbol of her entrance into womanhood, she then changed into high heels, and danced a choreographed waltz with her court and their dates.

“A lot of the guests had never heard of a quinceañera before. So I had to educate them about it,” says Nancy.

So what’s the cost of this celebration? Nancy, who also has a 9-year-old daughter, Athena, looking forward to her quinceañera in six years, estimates she spent $14,000 for Olympia’s quinceañera. Still, she says, it was worth every penny.

“It was bittersweet,” she reflects. “I’m so proud of my daughter becoming a woman. But she’ll always be my little girl.”

No doubt, that little girl appreciates her mother’s efforts. Says Olympia: “The party was everything I ever wanted, more than I ever dreamed of.”