Saturday, July 19, 2008 Sydni Deanne Franklin sent out the invite to her Thanksgiving service celebrating her 15th Birthday (Quinceanera). 

So what exactly is a Quinceanera? The transition from childhood to womanhood is a significant passage for adolescent girls in almost all cultures. In Hispanic culture, it is marked with the celebration of the Quinceañera, or 15th Birthday. From a north-of-the-border viewpoint, it may be seen as a cross between Sweet Sixteen and a debutante's coming out party.

The spiritual service was lead by Pastor Rickie G. Rush of the Inspiring Body Of Christ Church, the court was escorted into the sanctuary and then came Sydni who was escorted by Roy Williams.  Sydni and her parents Sam & Claudia gave their testimonies, The most important Padrinos (grandparents/sponsors) made the following presentations: Bible, Earrings, Necklace, Braclet, Tiara and Ring and the lighting of the Candle.  

Then it was off to the Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn for dinner reception and dance.  Sydni again was escorted by Roy Williams and her Quinceanera Court included Ashley Hartfield, Destiny Lesmes, Camille Forbes, Chelsi Page, Alex Smith, Vivianna Lesmes, Halle Camp, Jarnisha Hartfield, Renisha Franklin, Journay Wright, Ariel Stevensonn, Avante Smith, Billy Stevenson, Markel Johnson, Muriyd Franklin & Dejion Colston.   The court started off with a traditional waltz with a breakout of the famous Thriller routine which ended pulling guest onto the dance floor and the dance was officially started.

Another tradition with the Quinnceanera is practice like the changing of the shoes, the first dance, and the quinceañera traditionally being dressed in a ball gown. More often, the girls' dress is often white with touches of color to match the court's dresses.  However, all other aspects of the Quinceañera have become subject to the wishes of the young girl and her family. Some families celebrate the Quinceañera just as one big party.

Sydni's Padrinos and Sponsors included: Jade Burrows, Blanca Lsmes, Juanita & Luis Lesmes, Patty Jackson, Tia Blanca Lesmes, David Lesmes, Albert Lesmes, Claudia Lesmes & Roy Williams.

There was a mix of 80's classics, Tejano and Hip Hop, so Sydni made sure all her guest including Rev. Greer had music to keep a beat.  The guest danced into the late hour and party goers as they left were given a keepsake to remember the event.

Thank you Sydni for the Quinceanera experience. 

Look in photos for more Quinceanera pictures.

Sydni & her parents Sam & Claudia Franklin are DeSoto residents.