I've been invited!!!

[caliber1]

So, one thing that I have been desparately wanting to is go to a real, official Mexican party. I have just received my first invitation for an invitation only quinciñera!!!!

It is for the daughter of a co-worker and after talking to some amigos at work, this is rated right up there with someone's wedding. So, what would be considered polite and appropriate to bring to this event. I want my wife and I to get her something, but I just don't know what it should be. Me ayuda por favor

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

"Quinceañera"

The idea of a very important party similar to one's wedding is correct.
Traditionally, this party "introduces" a young lady to society, meaning that she's already grown up and shall be treated as an adult from now on. Some feminists hate the party, as they interpret it as giving "permission" to the girl's suitors to propose.
Nowadays, it's just celebrating that the girl is leaving childhood behind, since there are not that many parents wanting their daughters to date boys being still so young.

The usual party starts at the church with a religious ceremony and then there's a ball and formal supper. The guests may include the whole family, parent's friends and co-workers, as this is an introduction in society. Modern girls demand all their friends to be present as well (many of them even reject the idea of a party with their family and prefer to have a teenager-only party in a nightclub.)

After supper and before the ball, her father and/or her godfather will make speeches intending to let her know how many things will change in her future life and how well-prepared she has to be to face it all, and they will share a toast for her.
Then she usually dances a choreographed waltz with a group of boys her age (we call them "chambelanes"), which has been rehearsed for many weeks. Many girls also perform a choreographed dance of one or two contemporary songs they like with the chambelanes too. And then she dances one more waltz with her father and close male relatives (her brothers, cousins, uncles, a very good friend of her parents, etc.).


As for the present: Guests usually give the girl special things, as this is a very special ocassion. Brands and prices of the presents will depend on how close their relationship with the family and with the girl is, and of course, financial possibilities.
The expected gifts are things a young woman would use from now on as cosmetics, hairstyling stuff, jewelry, books, a diary, a photo album, a handbag...
If you're certain about the more personal likes of the girl, you can give her a perfume, CDs or DVDs, clothing, objects related to things she might be collecting...
Avoid dolls or cuddly toys; her friends will take care of those.

[CrOtALiTo]

That's great

[caliber1]

Thank you Angelica!!!!! I really appreciate the suggestion for presents and the background on a quinceañera. Would it be correct to say, "Estoy muy excitado"? Because I am. I am going to meet a bunch of family of Jesús, the guy at work. His mom is visiting for he party and wants to meet this "borrego" that everyone keeps talking about (that's me by the way ). I was hesitant to go, but my dad said he went to one a long time ago and it was a very good experience for him. Thanks again.

Voy bailar!

[Rusty]

"Estoy muy excitado" is NOT what you should say.
You can say "Estoy muy emocionado" or "Estoy muy animado".

Voy a bailar.

¡Diviértete! (Have fun!)

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Don't miss the party, I think it will be an interesting experience.

[Don José]

Originally Posted by Rusty

"Estoy muy excitado" is NOT what you should say.

Follow Rusty's advice. "Estoy muy excitado" in Spanish can be understood as if you were sexually excited. It's a dangerous word. I wouldn't use it unless I were clompetely sure it was OK in a specific context.

[caliber1]

Geez! I'll have to take note of that one. I don't want to go around work telling people that I'm "excited" for the party while they're thinking, "um. . . . .ok". thanks for the tip!

[chileno]

Originally Posted by caliber1

Geez! I'll have to take note of that one. I don't want to go around work telling people that I'm "excited" for the party while they're thinking, "um. . . . .ok". thanks for the tip!

Contento, emocionado are OK.

not that "excited" is bad, but not for the occasion for which you were invited...

[mikemacabre]

When I was in high school my friends and I use to go to these every weekend. Most of the time we were not even invited but we always knew someone that would get us in if it was invitation required.

I hope you know the chicken dance :P