In a heartfelt celebration in Bogotá, Colombia, 29 grandmothers experienced the quinceañera festivities they never had as young girls. On March 15, 2024, Rosalba Casas, aged 72, donned a flowing pink dress and a tiara, marking her long-awaited 15th birthday. For many of the women, this event, organized by the Sueños Hechos (Dreams Come True) Foundation, represented not only a celebration of their youth but also a poignant reflection of the hardships they faced growing up.
“This is the happiest day because I’m celebrating my 15th birthday,” said Casas, who had dreamt of this moment since her teenage years. The event provided a rare opportunity for joy, as it was the first time she wore professional makeup, a formal gown, or rode in a limousine. Casas was joined by 28 other women, many of whom shared similar stories of missed celebrations due to economic hardships.
Belated Celebrations for Overlooked Traditions
Quinceañeras are a significant cultural tradition in Latin America, symbolizing a girl’s transition into adulthood at the age of 15. Unfortunately, deep-seated inequalities in Colombia have left many unable to partake in such celebrations. According to government estimates, approximately 31% of the population lives in poverty, and the World Bank ranks Colombia among the most unequal countries in Latin America.
At a joyous parade through northwestern Bogotá, the women rode in a limousine, dancing and waving to onlookers who captured the moment on their phones. For many, this was their first encounter with such luxury. “I never rode in anything like that. I’d only seen them in pictures,” Casas reminisced, reflecting on a childhood devoid of similar celebrations.
María Isabel Carmona, 71, echoed Casas’ sentiments. On her 15th birthday, she recalled a humble breakfast of hot chocolate and fried eggs, saying, “My mother was very poor. There were a lot of us kids, and we lived in a small town. There was no way to celebrate.” This celebration provided a chance for both women to reclaim a lost moment from their youth.
Community Support and Lasting Impact
The Sueños Hechos Foundation, founded by Freddy Alfonso Páez and his brothers, has been instrumental in creating these meaningful celebrations. Initially focused on underprivileged girls, the foundation expanded its mission to include older women who, like Páez’s mother, missed out on their quinceañeras.
Over the past five years, the foundation has organized quinceañera parties for 128 older women, providing them with the opportunity to celebrate their lives. The annual event is made possible through donations from sponsors who contribute essentials such as food, dresses, and transportation. Local police officers also participate, escorting the women and creating a festive atmosphere.
As the women arrived at the community hall, they were greeted with an honor guard formed by uniformed police officers. An emotional quinceañera song played in the background, capturing the significance of the moment: “So fast — already 15 years, it can’t be … please, don’t grow up anymore.” After a heartfelt ceremony, the women traded their elegant shoes for sneakers, allowing them to dance comfortably with family members.
Despite facing various health challenges, including diabetes and heart issues, the women found joy in the celebration. “When the party begins, they forget all that and just enjoy themselves,” Páez remarked, highlighting the transformative power of such events.
This unique initiative not only honors the cultural significance of the quinceañera but also offers a chance for reflection and healing, reminding participants that it is never too late to celebrate life.
