The Big 15

The Quinceañera—a festive party to celebrate a girl turning 15--is a lovely custom not well understood by many people outside Hispanic culture. Though sometimes as complex (and expensive!) as a wedding, with limos, cakes, bands and a gorgeous white dress, the "quince" is much more than being princess for a day. It's a coming of age ritual that goes back generations. Author Julia Alvarez covers the ritual in her latest book, Once Upon a Quinceañera: Coming of Age in the USA. Born in the Dominican Republic to parents who moved to New York City, Alvarez has written five books of fiction, including How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, which explores the life of immigrants living between two worlds. Friday she reads from her latest at the Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St. Reception at 6:30 p.m., reading at 7 p.m. Call 469-364-2750.
Fri., Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m.