Kyli Burton of Cranberry Township, center, modeled one of the three dresses she would wear to her July 28 quinceañera celebration during one of the many rehearsals for the Latina coming-of-age ceremony while her friends who made up her quinceañera court mugged for the camera.

CRANBERRY TWP — Early last week, Kyli Burton of Cranberry Township looked every bit a teen in a T-shirt and denim, crowned with a soft “fro” as she spoke of her upcoming 15th birthday party.

But at that party on July 28, she seemed to morph into an elegant princess starring in a production staged, scored and scripted to reflect her and her Puerto Rican heritage: the title, “Kyli's Quintessential Quinceañera.”

Since time immemorial, the quinceañera has been a symbol of a Latina girl's transition to adulthood.

“I think it's a good way to transition,” said Kyli before her party. “It's a lot of fun. I've seen my friends more this summer than ever before.”

The “quinces” have evolved. In the Aztec and Toltec civilizations, girls at 15 were taught the skills necessary to ensure the culture would produce future warriors. This preparation culminated in a simple religious celebration.

Today, the price of a quinceañera averages about $4,000 while some parties cost $15,000. They feel modern but retain old traditions.

Those traditions are important to Yvonne Burton, Kyli's mother.

“I want her to remember it for the rest of her life. I want to make sure my kids know who they are and keep our traditions alive. If they can't look back, they can't look forward,” said Burton.

Read Sunday's Butler Eagle to experience Kyli's quinceañera.

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