Rico wrote on Jul 29, 2007 11:56 PM:great article North County Times shows it cares for all the diversity in San Diego

Repulsed wrote on Jul 30, 2007 3:32 AM:If you're looking to stir the pot and build more resentment, this is the ticket. This obscene amount of money is being spent on 15th birthday parties while the taxpayers foot the bill for the basics such as education, healthcare and food. Nothing says 'growing up' and casting off 'childish ways' and 'self-interest' like pure and unmitigated self-indulgence. Keep these stories coming. We enjoy having salt rubbed into our wounds. How do you spell COMIDA GRATIS?

Vistan wrote on Jul 30, 2007 5:51 AM:Yes, the quinceanera, used car and baby carriage businesses are booming in San Diego County.

Rico wrote on Jul 30, 2007 7:07 AM:to repulse: whats the difference then in a 15th birthday and a jewish Bar Mitzvah?

orale wrote on Jul 30, 2007 7:32 AM:how about a party to celebrate education. 15th b-days are just free beer and free food for relatives the kid dosn't even know.as a latino or latina we all know someone who had a quinceanera and was pregnant or got pregnant just after.so stop with the ... getting all dressed up in zootsuits,dress up for the real world.

Ray wrote on Jul 30, 2007 8:05 AM:I do not have the same sentiment as repulse because his focus is more on the dislike of the culture but I do agree to some degree, the amount of money spent on this festivities should be invested on more valuable things such a college fund.

DS wrote on Jul 30, 2007 8:12 AM:I'm all for celebrating one's age and culture, but isn't this a little extravagant for a 15th birthday -- or a bar mitzvah or sweet 16? Wouldn't all this money be better spent on a trust fund or to start a college or business career after high school? It just seems wasteful when there is so much else most kids will need to really become adults.

Joe wrote on Jul 30, 2007 8:29 AM:Please, commentors, give them a break. Just watch all the TV shows -"Bridezillas", or that one about the spoiled rich kids screaming that their new Lexus is the wrong color, etc. I would hope, though, that this transition to "womanhood" would also bring a sense of responsibility for their continuing education and that of their future children. Article last week about how the majority of "illegal" immigrants are totally unskilled manual laborers. Let's hope education is a big priority for them. When I was a kid, all the gardeners were Japanese. Now their kids are dominant in colleges. Let's get the Mexican kids into college...not gangs.

Latina wrote on Jul 30, 2007 8:43 AM:I am a Latina and I believe this is a waste of money. It would probably be equal to a debutante's ball, but that is for people that have money and already have the child's education paid for. A lot of these quinceania are by lower middle class to low income families. I too believe with the money that is spent it could be used for a couple years in college. I would like to see statistics on what the percent of these young ladies make it to college? Not being mean but I see to many people having a quinceania then getting pregnant. I guess it makes up for not getting a white wedding dress. I wouldn't let my family attend one as I don't know who the guest are and have heard of fights.

Shadowridge Mark wrote on Jul 30, 2007 8:43 AM:I was a "Chambelan" for a quinceanera hottie back in 1985; eleven years later I ended up marrying her. As for this article one thing I have noticed in today's Hispanic youth is how they try and dress up the part of old school gangsters. Do they really need to wear the zoot suit attire? How about a sharp looking double breasted suit, bottom line the "cholo" look is out so stop thinking you are "muy chingon". As for all the others commenting on the tradition I say shut your hole and deal with it just like I did about 3 months ago when I had a bunch of gender-bending drunk Scottish men near my backyard wearing their plaid skirts tossing poles and stones. And don’t getting started with Shaka Zulu nation bottom line respect the traditions of others.

Celia wrote on Jul 30, 2007 8:44 AM:What is up with all the hate? This is a Mexican tradition and so what? Stop with all the mean remarks. Be kind!

What? wrote on Jul 30, 2007 8:58 AM:There are a couple of differences between a bar mitzvah and a Quinceanera. First is religon, christian or jewish. Sex is another difference, a bar mitzvah is for a boy while a Quinceanera is for a girl. Jewish girls get a bat mitzvah. If you want to get technical the celebration is called a b'nai mitzvah where the boy becomes bar mitzvah and the girl becomes bat mitzvah. The similarity is the rampant display of consumerisim. A chance to show off how rich you are based on how extravagant your celebration is. Weddings and proms get the same treatment. Don't forget the sweetsixteen and the debutante ball.Is there a version of the Quinceanera for the boys? Bottom line is every culture loves a party and everybody want theirs to be the biggest and most extravagant.

What a waste of money! wrote on Jul 30, 2007 9:26 AM:Why don't they EDUCATE their girls and send them to college so they can support themselves? I don't understand how a family can afford such a celebration as this?

So many hypocrites wrote on Jul 30, 2007 9:30 AM:You people make me laugh as you try to hide your racism behind moral indignation: 1. Let them spend as much money on this as they want. This means they pay more in SALES TAX, and this means that they are effectively taxpayers. 2. How many of you who say this money should go to a college fund would say the same thing about the ridiculous amount of money spent on high school proms? Instead of the $80 dollar ticket, the dress/tux, the limo, the dinner, the pictures, and the medical care from the pregnancy after, you should put that money into a college fund.

El Guero wrote on Jul 30, 2007 9:36 AM:Q: 'what's the difference then in a 15th birthday and a Jewish Bar Mitzvah?' A: 2 years.

Heaven's Sake wrote on Jul 30, 2007 11:04 AM:This has nothing to do with illegals, it is a cultural thing. How is it any of your business how people celebrate their children's birthdays? Racism is alive and well in North County.

JR wrote on Jul 30, 2007 11:11 AM:Bi-cultural societies inevitably fail, usually in widespread bloodshed and violence. We all have the makings for a disaster. All we need is a sustained economic downturn. and BOOM!

Shlomo wrote on Jul 30, 2007 11:15 AM:You may think I'm meshuga for being such a kvetch. Trust me, I'm not looking for a shemozzle. The biggest difference between a Bar Mitzvah and a Quinceanera is the catering, gift values, tummler, and musical entertainment. BTW - when will Lowe's add Hebrew signage to its stores? I also haven't been able to find a single kid working at McDonald's who can take my order in Hebrew. What ever happened to diversity? I sometimes think latino activists can be intolerant of Jews because Israel has secure borders. People have to realize the a country without secure borders is much more vulnerable to terrorist attacks - it's got nothing to do with racism. Don't be a nebbish. Anyhow, enjoy the party! Mazel tov!

Disgusted wrote on Jul 30, 2007 11:25 AM:Did you know that in Felicita Park there are signs in the stalls telling people to flush their TP down the toilet. This is so they don't try to put it in the trash as in Mexico.

SmithJones wrote on Jul 30, 2007 11:31 AM:My wife and I practically wretch each time we drive by a 'Comida Gratis' sign at one of several public schools in Escondido. If ever there were a neon sign for the indigents to keep coming up from Mexico, those are it.

To Disqusted wrote on Jul 30, 2007 11:52 AM:Then why are those signs posted in English, pray tell? Perhaps uneducated people exist in all cultures, eh? But thanks for playing.

Too many spoiled kids! wrote on Jul 30, 2007 1:22 PM:I think too many parents in our day spend too much money on birthdays and party occasions for their kids in general. That's not confined to any one culture. There are parents out there who hire a limo for their kid's 9th birthday. Hello!! Let's get real! That's where so many kids nowadays get that entitlement mentality.

So Cal Native wrote on Jul 30, 2007 2:07 PM:Just another example by this Cracker Jack paper company NCT creating more hatred amongst the community.

Memo23 wrote on Jul 30, 2007 2:10 PM:To "Heaven's Sake": It's unfortunate that racism exists in our society---but the facts are that Latinos/Mexicans and their "way of life" are being shoved down people's throats, with many North County communities looking more and more like some dumpy little town south of the border. Also, people do get a little irked when they see hundreds of dollars being spent on celebrations such as these, by the same people who are living on the "freebies" provided by American citizens & taxpayers.

Cedar wrote on Jul 30, 2007 2:12 PM:What are you all saying that only the rich should have birthday bashes for their children. You see this is the reason so many latinos drop out of school because they are not included in things. And they are looked at as lower class and poverty students. We need a mind set change. I hope these celebrations continue and that they learn the traditions of their country. I just had my son his bar-mitzvah was I wrong to throw away the money on this treasured tradition?

To SmithJones from Alisi wrote on Jul 30, 2007 2:17 PM:"Wretch" wow from children receiving a free meal. How horrible it must be to be you! I am glad that my children get to participate in the free lunch program. I am a single mother and if you must know I am caucasian. It is tough for me and my children but I surely do not blame it on anyone but my own choices. What does this have to do with article?

I love this wrote on Jul 30, 2007 2:38 PM:This is great, all these anti-immigration people upset about this...but guess who pays for all these parties? They do!!! All them mowed lawns, stucco walls, paved cement walkways, planted trees make it possible to have these parties... This is great, keep crying, you are the same people who are supporting it, just like buying materials made in China, the average american wants it cheaper and cheaper, and that only means your average landscaper will be illegal and your average shoe will be made in China... Keep it cheap!!!

Bob wrote on Jul 30, 2007 2:43 PM:Gee, maybe if you took a millisecond to think about it. It's not the "free lunch" idea that makes us sick to our stomachs, it's the fact that it says it in SPANISH! Get a clue.

Reardon wrote on Jul 30, 2007 3:27 PM:Making bad decisions about the future is not limited to the Spanish-speaking community -- it is just that as taxpayers some of us (me included) are sensitized to it because to (some)(great) extent, taxpayer money for (schooling)(Medical)(insurance)(free lunch)(etc) makes the use of such "discretionary" money available for what we believe to be frivolous expenses. Members of my own family are just as irresponsible as any in the Spanish-speaking community, and I suspect you will find it in your family as well. There are always more people riding in the wagon than those pulling the wagon -- but for those who pay their taxes, do not receive "assistance" and still have money for all their needs AND participate in their cultural exhibition -- GO FOR IT!

JBEE wrote on Jul 30, 2007 3:49 PM:Maybe they can afford the big quincinera because they save so much money by getting free healthcare, lunches, education, etc! Sign me up! Can you imagine going to Mexico, getting a bunch of freebies from their government and then throwing an elaborate party for your kids bar mitzvah (just an example) with a DJ, limos, etc? Talk about rubbing our noses in it. If you can't afford to pay for lunch for your kid, you shouldn't be able to afford a big party!

Weirdos wrote on Jul 30, 2007 3:55 PM:I just wanted to say, what does anyone commenting care how people spend their money. Its not like they are going out and making the money for them. This is their religion and tradition. How would you like it if someone told you dont buy that use it for something else. Dont think so, so butt out and stop hating please...

Latina wrote on Jul 30, 2007 3:57 PM: I am not saying only rich shall have birthday parties but lets be real. If your family is on free, reduced lunch, free medical they should have no business having a expensive party, no matter what country or whatever your culture is. You need to live within your means. I am only saying this to who it pertains to. I myself have thrown birthday parties but my children knew what we could afford and what we couldn't. I come from a large Latino family (over 500 in North County) and I must say I can't think of one of my relatives having one. I just feel like I like to use my hard earned cash for schooling than putting her as I call it on the "market". I guess I just don't understand the reason behind it as I thought it meant a celebration to acknowledge that a young woman has reached sexual maturity and is thus of a marriageable age. No thanks, my daughter can have that celebration after she finishes college or some technical schooling

Hadenuff in Escondido wrote on Jul 30, 2007 4:26 PM:Just another excuse for a drunkfest. These things go on until the wee hours of the morning with music that can be heard from a mile away, and no law enforcement response since it is their cultural right.

JBEE wrote on Jul 30, 2007 4:52 PM:Weirdos, we care because it is our tax dollars supporting some of these people. Wake up! If they can afford it and aren't being supported by my tax dollars, I don't care how big of a party they have!

Period wrote on Jul 30, 2007 5:03 PM:I didn’t read the article because I could careless about the topic and how people celebrate their birthdays. All I want to know is….is….is……is the border fence done yet?????

ME wrote on Jul 30, 2007 5:09 PM:I went to J. Lo's quinceanera, now that was a party!!!

LOL wrote on Jul 30, 2007 5:13 PM:Where I live at in Oceanside, on top of a hill, looking over a predominately Mexican populated area, several nights a week during the Summer, I can hear these 'parties' going on late into the night.... with all that accordion music and the goofy D.J.'s with the echo turned up, it sure is not Weird Al..

Love'd-em wrote on Jul 30, 2007 5:23 PM:When I was a kid I came out in about six or seven of those things.I paid for my tux with the $ I worked for, and had a blast! My parents put one on for my sister and it did cost a pretty penny.But the family comming together and the cherrised memories we still have was well worth it. And my parents were tax paying american citizens of mexican background, who still put us through college. Stop hatting so much you bitter no culture havin sour pusses.

Come on wrote on Jul 30, 2007 5:30 PM:Ignorance runs wild here! If you knew anything about these parties you would realize that the parents save for years to have them and that all the family and close friends contribute to them. One will buy the dress another make the enchiladas, another pay for the cake etc. They do the church thing first, then they do the party. Even the poorest of people are entitled to combine their funds and enjoy a special tradition, come on lighten up! Do you think they should cancell Christmas too, quit making those tamales and going to midnight mass, you can't afford it! I have problems with illegal immigration too, but not with people who want to enjoy their cultural celebrations.

wow wrote on Jul 30, 2007 5:47 PM:I just checked in because I thought maybe the minutemen types would write something hateful. This is unbelievable though. Do people really not realize how racist they sound?

Pinky wrote on Jul 30, 2007 6:07 PM:You racists are sad. I have a Latino friend who owns his own business, threw big Quinceaneras for all five of his daughters and has paid for all five of their college educations. Quit hating the Mexicans. Don't you have anything going on in your own lives you could improve?

Why is this an issue? wrote on Jul 30, 2007 6:47 PM:I've been in several Quinceanras back in the late 80's and mid 90's I thought this was normal. It's like a sweet 16. This is nothing new to me. I knew this article would upset certain people, if this article came out 10 years nobody would care, but now they do. Why is it ok for Italians and Irish to celebrate thier customs or traditions but it's bad when Mexican's celebrate thiers.

Alisi wrote on Jul 30, 2007 7:49 PM:Who cares what language the sign is written in I can still have my kids get a free breakfast and a good start to there day. I am sorry all you haters are making this about immigration, fences, free stuff, food stamps, etc. This is about tradition and I think it is a beautiful thing. Stop hating it will make you all sick. Oh yeah Smith-Jones are already sick!! Too bad you are such haters because it seems to be really ruining your life. If you feel that you have to comment on this blog that has nothing to do with anything except commerce you are really bad off.

Reardon wrote on Jul 30, 2007 9:07 PM:To Cedar: Everyone should be able to throw all of the parties they can afford WITH THEIR OWN MONEY. Money is fungible, and there are "opportunity costs" -- money spent one place cannot be expended some other more valuable place. If you consume more than you produce, you must consume what other people have produced. The top 50% of wage earners pay 96% of the federal taxes.

Why wrote on Jul 30, 2007 9:10 PM:If we disagree we are racist and haters? I thought we could have an opinion without be called names too. Seems as the racist calling racist. I don't agree with this tradition and I am of Mexican descent. Just seems useless and I am entitled to my opinion and that does not make me a racist. We enjoy pinada's for birthdays. Call me racist, oh well, you can believe what makes you happy.

so .... wrote on Jul 30, 2007 9:58 PM:I think Paul did a great job featuring this celebration. With the high Latino population in SD, makes perfect sense. Comprable to doing a feature on bar- and batmitzvahs in New York Times.
---Now everyone who is saying such negative things about this I am SO sure are also hooting and hollering about Bar- and batmitzvahs right? I am SO sure they are throwing their mac and cheese at the TV when "Super Sweet 16" comes on MTV. Now if you have a problem with so much money being spent on kids in general, OK that's fine. But don't use this as a platform to throw daggers about the Mexican or Latino culture. I can only imagine what the comment screeners didn't put up. Anonimity is no excuse for ugliness and stereotyping.
and 9:26 am, do you think just because they have a party that means the girls aren't educated? Where do you get that connection? Racist much?
11:15 am--that doesn't even make sense, have you been to New York? Plenty of Hebrew stuff there since the Jewish population is so high. Don't hate.
11:25 am - what does toilet paper have to do with this article? sad.
So Cal 2:07 pm -- why can't NCT feature part of the culture in SD? They can't control people if they want to get ugly on this
Bob 2:43 -- ok the sign are in Spanish. What of it? Why do you have SUCH a problem with that?
JB 3:49, do you think Latinos are the only ones getting help? No other groups? Sure about that?
Hadenuff 4:26, explain this "cultural right."
5:03, nice satire

one suggestion wrote on Jul 30, 2007 10:04 PM:Maybe it was cut for length, but I would have liked to know the whole cultural meaning behind quinceneras such as why 15 and why only girls? Is there a similar celebration for the young men? Sounds like a great party, I'd love to go. My sister was invited to be a dama for a friend and she said it was a blast. Too bad the European-American culture doesn't have something like this. Maybe everyone is just jealous :)

To Alisi wrote on Jul 30, 2007 10:04 PM:It is not a free breakfast, someone has to pay for it

p.s. wrote on Jul 30, 2007 10:06 PM:I should have said "my European-American culture..." Wanted to clear that up before everyone got their panties in a bunch. Kinda sad I have to clarify my own race for all the minutemen types out there, isn't it?

Richard M wrote on Jul 30, 2007 10:25 PM:Don't spend money on a quincenera where people drink beer. Save and send your daughter to college where she can go to frat parties. Who ever heard of alcohol or sex at a frat party? College is the answer.

Ms.Mary wrote on Jul 31, 2007 11:45 AM:First of all, I just want to comment, on anyone, who is trying to hate on the Mexican race, just because someone decided to do an article on Quinceanera's does not give any of you the right assume that they are on welfare, or are low income, or get free lunch, that has nothing to do with having a party/fiesta. Everyone has the right to celebrate life, regardless of race or color. They're are so many others races out there that don't pay taxes, and are doing things that I would not rather mention, that is illegal, to anyone who thinks that they are perfect, let them cast the first stone!, All of us deserve freedom, to live and be happy, just for you information, Mexicans are not the only one's who have party's everyone has parties, and celebrates their cultures differently, why don't all of you find something possitive to say, instead of all the racist remarks, God looks at everyone the same, no matter what color or culture we are, so you might want to think about that. Everyone is entitled to their own life style. Being poor does not make you a bad person, Just remember, one day you might have to apply for free lunch! You all don't even know what poor is, go to some of our Third world countries and check out how they live. So All You Raza out their keep on celebrating Quinceanera's, Big or Small, expensive or not, It is not anyone's business, to assume how these celebration's are paid for. Mexicanos, know how to put on the best parties, and can get down on cooking, that is why Other cultures love Mexican Food, and also hire Mexicans to do landscaping and construction, and many other trades, that they are just as good as other races, so get real, an accept that Brown is beautiful, just like all the other colors, you are probably mixed with some Latino blood, somewhere in you genes, and don't even know it. Don't Be A Hater! Just because you are a negative person

To "so on Jul 30, 2007 9:58 PM" wrote on Jul 31, 2007 3:53 PM:There is no place for your anti-semitic rants here in America. And you tell Shlomo, "don't hate" just because he can't find a retailer who will conduct business in Hebrew. Do you also believe the Holocaust is a myth? It sounds like you are the true hater, and that you are pleased there is "plenty of Hebrew stuff in [New York] because the Jewish population is so high" rather than here in California. Take your own advice - do not hate, not even Jews.

un mas to my 9:58 post wrote on Jul 31, 2007 4:47 PM:I apologize if I came off that way, "to so". I certainly don't want anyone to think I have a problem with ANYTHING Jewish, including celebrations-- that would be horrible and hypocritical. I honestly think cultural celebrations are good! Went to a great one 20 years ago in SD for a schoolmate - first time in a Temple, very impressive :) Anyone know of any good Oktoberfests in NC?

Tp Ms Mary wrote on Aug 1, 2007 3:38 AM:Get a clue. No one objects to anyone's cultural celebrations. Our objection is that this enormous amount of money is available because it is saved on things that the average legal taxpayer has to pay for. We don't get the freebies. That is why YOU need to understand OUR resentment. NOBODY likes a mooch. I resent doing without while at the same time underwriting your cultural pride. My culture would be embarrassed to accept all of the freebies that you take for granted. Your culture isn't more special or more deserving than ours.

To: Tp Ms Mary wrote on Aug 2, 2007 1:43 PM:Well Said.

SO SAD wrote on Jan 31, 2008 3:00 AM:YOU KNOW IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE REALLY FEEL THIS WAY. IT IS REALLY SAD THAT WE HAVE TO BE SO HATEFUL AND CRUEL. WE ARE ALL ADULTS AND IT IS SAD THAT WE ARE STILL TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO BE RACIST. THERE ARE GOOD AND BAD IN ALL CULTURES. I AM CAUCASIAN AND WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO ADMIT THAT IF SOME OF THE AMERICANS WOULD GET UP AND GO TO WORK MAYBE SO MANY JOBS WOULDN'T BE AVAILABLE FOR THE MEXICANS TO TAKE. BUT YEAH THATS RIGHT WE ARE TO GOOD OR WON'T WORK FOR WHAT THEY WILL. OH WELL GIRLS HAVE FUN WITH YOUR QUINCEANERA AND REMEMBER ALL THE VALUES THAT YOUR FAMILIES HAVE TAUGHT YOU, SOMETHING THAT AMERICAN FAMILIES ARE FORGETING TO DO BECAUSE THERE SO WORRIED ABOUT WHAT SOMEONE ELSE IS DOING.

dnm wrote on Jul 19, 2008 12:08 PM:Sadly, you people don't know what your talking about. Often times these quinceaneras have padrinos(sponsors), and each padrino chooses their contribution. Someone will opt to pay for the cake and someone else would pay for the decorations or the cost is divided by several people opting to pay for a more expensive item such as the food. These sponsors usually are family members and close family friends. It is a time of celebrating religion and culture. Stop being so judgmental, I mean really doesn't it take a village to raise a child. It is a time of celebrating and spending a memorable occassion with your loved ones. To the person commenting that it is the same as putting your child "on the market" is sick and should be treated. Get a clue most people on aid are white which is even sadder. Rather than putting down a mexican family (who at least is truly willing to do whatever it takes to support their families and keep their traditions alive) take a look around and realize that most of America's homeless begging for money and sleeping on our streets are white as well ( maybe they should hear the speeches that your handing down about working and education). Many mexican families aren't even on aid because they don't qualify without a SSN so often times they go to work for an unfair wage because they are willing unlike their white male counterparts. Lastly, the signs are in spanish in Escondido because Escondido has a large spanish speaking community and of course if the children are hungary lets feed them. Why should it matter what color the child is. They are hungary so they should be fed.

Me wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:51 PM:I think spending that much money and having a wedding like birthday party is ridiculous. What a waste of money. Oh well, to each his own, glad it's not mine.