You are invited to the biggest party of Cindy Chavez's life. In text and gorgeous color photos, Elizabeth King takes us to this joyous, once-in-a-lifetime event -- the quinceanera.

It is the celebration of a Latina's fifteenth birthday, a coming-of-age ritual in which a community welcomes its newest adult member with a church service, a feast, and dancing. The tradition, which has its roots in Aztec and Mexican custom, is popular in the United States. With a lavish dress, an honor court of friends, a big cake, and a night filled with music, the quinceanera is a chance for a young woman to feel like a queen. But there are solemn, quiet moments, too, particularly at the Mass held before the party.

The history, significance, and fun of the quinceanera are warmly recounted in this lovely book. It is an inviting glimpse at a part of American culture for newcomers to the tradition, and a special scrapbook for those anticipating or remembering their own quinceaneras.