In many Mexican and other Latinx communities, a girl’s 15th birthday is recognized with a special celebration to signify her transition from childhood to young adulthood: a quinceañera.
This exhibition explored how quinceañeras are celebrated here in Wisconsin through women’s stories and items from their special events. The exhibition introduced the historical origins of this unique coming-of-age celebration and highlighted the social and cultural significance of this important tradition. Crowned in Tradition provided an opportunity to learn about the widespread social connections that support quinceañeras for young Chicanas and Latinas. Every item in this exhibition, from dresses and jewelry to invitations and decorations, was an opportunity to delve deeper into the stories of the women, their families, and their dreams for the future. All artifacts and stories displayed were loaned by local and regional members of the Latinx/Hispanic community.
This exhibition was guest-curated by students and professors from UW-Oshkosh’s Chicana/o and Latinx Studies Program, and was presented in both English and Spanish.
