From flats to heels: the symbolic changing of the Quinceanera shoes ceremony

Monday, October 03, 2022

Quinceanera shoes: heels or flats?

Are you wondering what kind of shoes to wear to your quinceanera? One option is to start in flats and change to heels during a changing of the shoes ceremony. The changing of the shoes ceremony is a fun and symbolic quinceanera tradition.

Quinceaneras tend to incorporate a lot of symbolism into various aspects of the day, from the religious gathering to the reception.

One tradition calls for the quinceanera to wear flats during the ceremony.  She will continue to wear them to the reception and during the time leading up to the traditional “quince waltz”. Just before the waltz, a changing of the shoes ceremony will take place.

 

How to perform the ceremony

Set up a chair in the center of the dance floor. The master of ceremony will request that the quinceanera and her father/or designated person come to the dance floor for the changing of the shoes ceremony. All attention will now be focused on the quinceanera. The quinceanera will then sit down, and her dad or other person of honor will change her shoes from her flats to heels. This symbolizes the transition from girl to young woman.

After the shoes have been changed, hug the person who changed them. You are now ready to dance your waltz in your new heels!

As an n alternative to flats–decorate a pair of all-white converse or any brand of tennis shoe that you prefer. Remove the laces and substitute ribbons. Add rhinestones or other decorative elements.