Goshen College’s Latino Student Union held one of their biggest events on Friday at the Goshen Theater Ballroom: The Quinceañera Experience. 

LSU collaborated with Genesis Perez Lopez’s family to celebrate her 15th birthday with a traditional Latin American celebration, a quinceañera party which traditionally marks one’s transition from girlhood to womanhood. This event not only celebrated Genesis’ special day but also invited members of the GC community to experience the quinceañera with traditional Latin American food, dance and culture. 

Genesis’s mother said, “When we received notification about the organization of this event, in which my daughter’s 15th birthday would be celebrated, as well as the interest in sharing the traditions and culture of our country, we understood the importance of faithfully representing how quinceañeras are celebrated in our culture.” 

Initially a concept without any concrete plans, The Quinceañera Experience was first introduced during an LSU leadership meeting two to three years ago. It was not until last year that Fernando Daza-Jabian, an LSU leader, reproposed the idea with a clearer vision and direction, ultimately bringing the event to life this year.

Daza-Jabian said there were two main goals for the event. “First, the community-centered purpose: to provide a full quinceañera celebration for one or two girls from the local community who may not otherwise have the financial means to celebrate this important milestone. 

“Second, the educational purpose connected to Goshen College: The Quinceañera Experience is also intended to celebrate and educate the Goshen community about the cultural significance of quinceañeras within Hispanic communities,” Daza-Jabian said.

He added that this special night was made possible through partnerships and collaborations with a wide range of organizations and individuals, including Maple City Market, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, Goshen Theater, Center for Healing and Hope, numerous faculty members, LSU leadership families and the GC student organization Voces Fuertes, among many others.

The planning process faced challenges, with the outreach phase being especially difficult for LSU leaders. LSU wanted to do their best to adhere to their two main goals of the quinceañera. Following numerous changes, even up to a month prior to the event, it was officially confirmed that Genesis would be the recipient. 

It was an even better turnout than LSU expected, with over 100 attendees. 

“It was a lot of fun!” attendee Ellie Nickel, a senior social work major, said. “I think it was really special that Genesis and her family opened up her birthday celebration to the public so that those of us who hadn’t been to a [quinceañera] before could experience one and be part of celebrating Latino culture.”

“To have a quinceañera is to keep tradition, to share our heritage and culture, to show that we are present and proud and to show the power of what can happen when a community is determined to do great things and work together,” Daza-Jabian said.

“LSU hopes to make the quinceañera event a tradition to further connect with the broader Goshen community and share cultural experiences with Goshen College.”