Our readers who have followed our reports on the Aldea Infantil in Guatemala will have realised that Valdivia is not only involved in material support for the children’s village. Numerous personal contacts have been established, such as Daniel Bauer’s visit to Guatemala in the spring. In future, members of our team will therefore also be travelling to Guatemala regularly and working on specific projects there, such as the construction of a new greenhouse. This lively exchange allows us to take part in the lives of the children and carers and also get to know and understand their culture better — for example, the special significance of the 15th birthday in Latin America and the very special way in which the festival is celebrated at Aldea Infantil.
The Quinceañera — origins and significance
In most cultures, the transition from child to fully-fledged member of society is a special moment for the children themselves and for their relatives. A special 15th birthday party to mark this occasion is celebrated throughout Latin America; immigrants from this region have also popularised it in the USA. The tradition probably has its origins in Europe — especially Spain — as well as in the indigenous Mayan and Aztec cultures.
From colonial times until the 20th century, it was a celebration only for 15-year-old girls, the “quinceañeras”. By this time, they had learnt everything they needed to know to be a wife, housewife and mother. The festivities were then the moment when the father introduced the girl to prospective spouses. However, life expectancy used to be very low, even lower for women: 15-year-olds were considered adults and getting married as early as possible was desirable for everyone.
Today, the picture has changed considerably. It is no longer about girls getting married quickly, and boys also celebrate the festival as a symbolic transition into adulthood. The family’s commitment should also show their support for the entry into the new phase of life — the beginning of independence for girls and boys. Parents organise a particularly lavish party for this purpose; recently, however, young people often prefer to go on an outing. Those who can afford it organise both.
The Festival for“fifteen-year-olds” at Aldea Infantil
The Aldea Infantil village also follows this tradition and aims to teach children about the culture of their home country, which they would otherwise never have got to know. However, there is one difference. Several children in the village often turn 15 in one year, which is why the Aldea Infantil organises the “celebration of fifteen-year-olds” as a joint celebration for everyone on one day at the end of November or beginning of December — in 2023 this was ((date?)). There’s cake for everyone, and the birthday boys and girls get fancy suits and dresses — usually from second-hand shops. This is an unforgettable day for every year group, and the other children and staff are also happy to get out of their usual routine on this day.
So we at Valdivia also send our best wishes for the future to the quinceañeras and quinceañeros of this year and look forward to witnessing their further development!
*With best wishes for all fifteen-year-olds at Aldea Infantil!
Stiftung Kinderzukunft (The Children’s Future Foundation)
Rabenaustraße 1a, D‑63584 Gründau, Germany
Hans-Georg Bayer
Managing Director
Fon: +49 60 51 48 18 14
Fax: +49 60 51 48 18 10
Email address: hans-georg.bayer@kinderzukunft.de
Internet: www.kinderzukunft.de
Make your donations payable to
Bank: Commerzbank Hanau
IBAN: DE79 5064 0015 0222 2222 00
BIC: COBADEFFXXX
Please state ”Valdivia Zukunft — Kinderdorf Guatemala“ as a reference.
(Image source: Stiftung Kinderzukunft)
