A DAY IN THE PARK in Postcards 4

Local Hispanics use Balboa Park to the fullest. Many girls celebrate their Quinceanera’s in the most beautiful spots or favorite spots in the Park. Today this is a celebration of the girl’s passage into womanhood on her 15th birthday, but in the past it was considered readiness for marriage.

The celebration starts off with a mass followed by a gathering of family and friends. Often the Damas…maids of honor, and the Chamberlains…young men, come with the family to the park for the party. A photographer comes along to record the gathering.

Familysearch.org tells us, “local customs are included, such as the ceremony of the Change of Shoes, where the young woman is given her first pair of high-heeled shoes. There may also be a crowning ceremony, where a close relative places a crown or tiara on the young woman’s head, reminding her that she is a princess before God and the world.

Often low riders can be seen in the park. The Automotive Museum has had several Low Rider shows, and the men of the Hispanic community love sharing their cars with us Gringos by just cruising the main roads. These cars are still fully a part of the community. Young men and middle aged men all build them with great enthusiasm. Each car is carefully chosen and each car is a true work of art. Some take years to build, other’s take even longer. Chevy’s are the favorites.

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Himself: News, pool, lunch, Target, Viewing 2 Merlin episodes, fix dinner, TV.
Myself: News, pool, lunch, TARGET to get some things I need, read another Francis, writes, dinner, TV.
Reading: Dick Francis.
Photo: by me. 3 Chevy’s: 59, 62, and 58.
Gratitude’s: I feel really pretty good.