A Mexican teen’s disappointing quinceañera was transformed into a viral celebration on Saturday after social media helped rally thousands to her side.
About six weeks ago, Isela Anahí Santiago Morales was expecting a joyful quinceañera — the traditional coming-of-age celebration marking a girl’s 15th birthday — in Axtla de Terrazas, her hometown of about 32,000 in the north-central state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
Instead, she found herself nearly alone after friends and guests failed to appear.
“My dad said we couldn’t let the food go to waste, so he posted on Facebook that we had enough left for 40 people,” said Isela, who lives with her parents and sister in a modest wooden house with a tin roof.
Her mother, of Nahua heritage, and her father earn a living by collecting garbage; the family had saved up to host a small party on July 9, which unfortunately fizzled (with no explanation why).
Her father’s heartfelt post shortly thereafter changed everything.
Soon, word spread. Strangers, businesses and city officials offered to help. Donations poured in. The municipal soccer stadium, which has stands that can seat about 800, was secured for a second party.
The viral spark came when a local photographer offered a free shoot, followed by DJ and event organizer Jerónimo Rosales, who pledged to provide music.
This past Saturday, hundreds flooded the field for the celebration. Rain fell, but the numbers (150 to 200 were originally expected) continued to grow until there were about 2,000 revelers.
Police managed crowds as guests arrived from across Mexico and even Texas.
“It became national news,” said Sarai Rosales, 44, who came from Dallas some 900 miles away. “When we saw it on TV at home, we got excited and decided to come … I thought the rain would put people off, but here we are.”
A dozen local bands played for free, fireworks lit the night and, in the end, assistance was received from 70 padrinos — which translates to “godparents,” but for quinceañeras means close family members or friends who help pay for certain items (the cake, the dress, etc.) or offer their services as photographers, musicians, etc.
Isela, who wore a billowy pink dress, asked for donations of toys for vulnerable children instead of gifts for herself.
Traditional foods like the regionally popular zacahuil (a large tamale made with chicken or pork) were served throughout the marathon 12-hour event. The state government financed the headline musical act, and local politicians gave speeches from the stage.
Customs were honored, as well. For example, Isela danced a waltz with her father, and he presented her with her last doll — a tradition marking the end of childhood.
And then there were the surprises. Isela received the paperwork for a 90-square-meter plot of land in town, a scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip as gifts. The teen burst into tears reading the letter about the land.
The celebration stretched into the early morning hours. Confetti rained down as Isela cut her cake, surrounded by new friends and supporters.
“We only knew her from social media, but we saw what was being organized and decided to join,” said Yolanda Castro, a 37-year-old homemaker who came with her husband from a nearby town.
“Thank you to everyone who is here, joining me,” Isela told the cheering crowd. “I hope you have a good time, that you enjoy it, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
With reports from El Financiero, Infobae, Associated Press and The Independent
