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What is it about an old manor made of coral rock that is so attractive to 15-year-old girls? If you grew up in Miami, you either know someone who took quinceañera photos at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, or you donned a Barbie-pink, rhinestoned puff-pastry dress and took some yourself.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Vizcaya is staking its claim in the game by throwing a quince party for all of Miami on Wednesday, October 15. Everyone’s Quince is your chance to dust off your party dress (or thrift one from your favorite secondhand shop) and live out your teenage dream on the museum’s terrace.
Throughout the three-hour event, the main house and gardens will remain open as guests outdoors and take pictures (iPhones only; professional camera equipment is not allowed), take salsa-dancing classes, and make crowns (because every quinceañera deserves a tiara). And yes, there will even be birthday cake.
“Vizcaya has been adopted by the Hispanic community to host several celebrations for quinceañeras, and for photography, so it just made sense for us to honor that tradition and open up the doors for everyone to come and celebrate and enjoy the quinceañera together,” says Elgin Grey, Vizcaya’s Director of Community Partnerships, Programs, and Interpretation.
In the Hispanic and Latino communities, a quinceañera is a rite of passage. The word itself literally translates to “fifteen,” but much like a Sweet 16 or bat mitzvah, the event marks a symbolic transition into adulthood. Many celebrate with a party — oftentimes with a level of pageantry rivaling weddings — complete with a court and a choreographed dance numbers. Long before the Instagram era, an equally extravagant photoshoot preceded the celebration.
Grey smiles as she recounts explaining to tourists what is happening when they see young girls in elaborate, poofy dresses taking pictures all over the grounds. “They’re always like, ‘What is this? Are they getting married? Is she a princess?’ I enjoy explaining to them what a quince is, and telling them a bit about the quinceañera tradition.”
Because this is a core memory for so many Miamians, throughout the event, guests will be invited to share their stories. As part of the Beyond Vizcaya initiative, you can submit your Vizcaya quince story to be featured in the museum’s online collection. Reminisce on feeling like a fashion model at fifteen while striking a pose in the grotto or frolicking in the gardens.
“Everyone’s Quince is something we’ve been wanting to do for a while,” says Grey. She notes that the idea had been floating around for years before finally coming to fruition. While there are no concrete plans to make it an annual gathering, it remains a possibility.
“I would love to have this continue and have it be one of our staple events,” she says.
Grey encourages attendees to dress up as if they’re attending a real quince. Whether that means your own or a friend’s is open to interpretation. If the dress still fits, wear it.
Everyone’s Quince. 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami. 305-250-9133; vizcaya.org. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. Admission is free for children under age 5 via eventbrite.com.
