Saturday, March 8 emerging Latina author Malin Alegria Ramirez read from her first novel, Estrella’s Quinceanera at Pima County Library's Las Nuestras Raices Literary Arts Festival.The festival, which runs from Feb.29 to March 27, celebrates Mexican-American authors, as well as arts and culture. In total the event will be held at eight branch libraries and two community venues.
Ramirez, who read from her novel, discussed how she became an author, and answered questions from the audience, ended her presentation with a fashion show featuring Tucson teens modeling beautiful Quinceanera dresses.
Ramirez's presentation recieved laughter and applause from the audience as she vividly acted out each character, using hand gestures and changing the tone of her voice.A Quinceanera celebration is an important day in the life of a 15-year-old. It symbolizes a bridge into womanhood, and is similar to what most young ladies celebrate a year later, also known as the sweet sixteen.
The Quinceanera is more so a cultural event, with much more planning and finances than a sweet sixteen. The event brings together friends and family to recognize a special time in the woman's life.
It was believed to have been created in the 16th century as a way of first introducing one's daughter to society in hopes of finding her a husband.
Ramirez relives the quinceanera that she never had through Estrella's story. The novel is humurous and includes all of the quirky characters any family is bound to have.
The author regrets not having one now.
"I was like the character in the book. I didn't want a Quinceanera," Ramirez said. "As a adult now I reflect on the importance of honoring a girl becoming a woman."
No comments:
Post a Comment