Quinceñeras are very important events in Colombia because they announce a girl’s coming of age. The girls, their families and friends usually begin preparing for the big day several months in advance in order to make it extra special for the cumpleañera (birthday girl). Because Globalteer Volunteer Colombia Kids Project works similarly to an orphanage and most of the children have lived there for several years, the project has become a big family. The staff and volunteers are called tía (aunt) or tío (uncle), emphasizing this familial relationship. So, of course the project undertook this planning with unmatched gusto and enthusiasm – equal to that of any other loving family – working very hard to put together the best party of the year.
They made announcements, prepared lists and sent out invitations. Everyone at Globalteer Volunteer Colombia Children’s Project was involved in this exciting preparation process, including the youngest members of the project, and the results of all the hard work were stunning!
When the big day arrived, they decorated the common area of the project with blue and purple colours to compliment Luisa’s party dress. Everyone was smartly dressed-up and the younger kids were running around in expectation of the wonderful fiesta to start. When the cumpleañera, who had her hair styled and was wearing a long layered dress, made her entrance everyone cheered and exclaimed that she looked so much like a fairy-tale princess!
The party immediately went into full swing with plenty of music, and dancing and singing. At times it seemed like a red-carpet event because there were so many photos and videos being taken. Luisa received presents and congratulations from all of the attendees, and everyone was happy and excited to share this special day with her.
There were many special events over the course of the night, starting with performers from Universidad Adventista de Colombia, who sang Luisa a beautiful rendition of the birthday song. After eating a traditional birthday dinner the main part of the event began: dancing! A local professional dance group performed traditional numbers including salsa, merengue and bachata. By the end of the performance everyone – children and grown-ups – had joined in. The children taught the Globalteer volunteers some basic steps so that they could participate in the fun too. Later on, the children began dancing reggaeton, a style of music that blends Caribbean and Latin American influences with hip hop and electronica, which is the most popular music genre with Colombian youth.
To conclude this wonderful evening, the birthday cake was cut and served to everyone, along with sincere appreciation for their participation. Luisa and all of the children of the project thoroughly enjoyed the festivities, and will cherish the unforgettable happy memories of the fiesta.
*The children’s names have been changed to protect their privacy.
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