In a heartwarming event in Bogotá, Colombia, 29 grandmothers experienced the quinceañera celebrations they never had, rekindling dreams long set aside. On March 15, 2024, 72-year-old Rosalba Casas donned a flowing pink dress and tiara, joyfully marking her 15th birthday for the first time. She joined other women, ages 60 to 85, selected by the Sueños Hechos (Dreams Come True) Foundation for a celebration that highlighted their resilience and spirit.
Quinceañeras are a cherished tradition across Latin America, symbolizing a girl’s transition into adulthood at the age of 15. Yet, for many of these women, financial constraints during their youth meant such celebrations were unattainable. “This is the happiest day because I’m celebrating my 15th birthday,” Casas said, reflecting on the significance of the occasion.
The festivities began with a limousine ride through northwestern Bogotá, where the jubilant women waved at onlookers, creating a spectacle that brought smiles to many faces. “I never rode in anything like that,” Casas exclaimed, laughing as she recalled her childhood dreams. “I blew kisses to everyone.”
María Isabel Carmona, 71, shared a similar sentiment, reminiscing about her own modest 15th birthday, which was marked only by a simple breakfast of hot chocolate and fried eggs. “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,” she explained as she prepared for her long-awaited moment.
The harsh reality of economic inequality in Colombia means that many families cannot afford such traditional celebrations. According to government statistics, approximately 31% of the population lives in poverty, contributing to the country’s standing as one of the most unequal in Latin America.
Upon arrival at the community hall, the women stepped out onto a red carpet, where uniformed police officers formed an honor guard. As an emotional quinceañera song played in the background, the women transitioned into a dance, exchanging their formal shoes for more comfortable sneakers. They enjoyed waltzing with police officers, then danced with their husbands, sons, and grandsons, creating cherished memories.
The Sueños Hechos Foundation, founded by Freddy Alfonso Páez and his brothers five years ago, initially aimed to provide quinceañera celebrations for underprivileged girls. The project expanded to include older women, recognizing that many, including Páez’s own mother, never had the opportunity to celebrate their coming of age. “We have held quinceañera parties for older women for the past five years, providing celebrations to 128 so far,” Páez noted.
The annual event is made possible through sponsorships that cover the costs of transportation, food, and dresses. Local police serve as escorts, adding a layer of support and celebration. As Páez observed, “Many have different health conditions—diabetes, heart issues, leg or hip pain—but when the party begins, they forget all that and just enjoy themselves.”
This initiative not only brings joy to the participants but also sheds light on the broader social issues faced by many in Colombia. The celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations that persist, even in the face of adversity. For these women, the long-awaited quinceañera was not just a party; it was a moment of recognition and fulfillment that honored their lives and journeys.
