Over the last 40 years, more than 1,000 girls have celebrated their quinceañeras together as Florecitas.
But the Tucson tradition of the Florecitas is more than just a quince — a traditional Mexican coming-of-age celebration for 15-year-old girls — it includes community service, a focus on Roman Catholic spirituality and scholarship fundraising.
"I've grown more mature," said Angelique Hernández, one of the 20 Florecitas this year. "Being a Florecita and doing the community service and fundraising, I feel older now — in a good way."
Hernández, whose mother, Monica Cortez, was a Florecita, lives in Yuma and has driven down with her parents for all of the group's community service and cultural events, which started in April.
This week Hernández and her family rented hotel rooms so they could attend the Mass, a week of dance classes and the League of Mexican American Women's Fiesta en Xochimilco ball on Saturday. The fiesta is the official presentation of the Florecitas to the community and the league's largest scholarship fundraiser.
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"From Yuma, it's about a three-hour drive, but it's been worth it," Hernández said. "I'm missing a week of school, which is nice, but my teachers are kind of mad."
About $50,000 for scholarships to Arizona colleges and universities was raised at last year's ball, said Yasel Bischoff, the league's fiesta co-chair.
"Anyone can apply for scholarships, but we really make an effort to find people who are maybe adults and are going back to school or parents who are taking classes," Bischoff said. "And the ball is really for the Florecitas, but all the money goes to helping people go to school, so it helps all kinds of people."
Past Florecitas will also be presented to mark the 40th anniversary of the tradition.
The Florecitas were started by the league in 1967 to encourage community involvement and pride in Tucson, as well as help families cut down on the high costs of a quinceañera, said Jo Ann Trujillo, the league's Florecita chair.
Today, quinceañeras can cost as much as $10,000, Trujillo said.
"We try to help families who can't spend such high amounts on quinceañeras, and we work on getting the girls involved in the community so young so they can be strong leaders in the future," Trujillo said.
"We have doctors and lawyers and teachers and all sorts of women and mothers and daughters who have been Florecitas, and they all know the impact they can have on their community because of this."
Since April, the Florecitas have been busy, taking part in a spiritual retreat, a father/daughter dinner, tea parties, and a few weekends spent volunteering at food banks and other charities, such as the Ronald McDonald House, Trujillo said.
"For my family, being a Florecita is a tradition and it's very important," said Edward Espinosa, whose daughters Monique Espinosa and Melyssa Robles are Florecitas this year.
Espinosa also has a daughter who was a Florecita in 2001.
"For the girls, to have their families behind them and to see that the community cares about them — it makes them stronger women and more confident," Espinosa said.
A Mass was held Sunday for the Florecitas at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave.
The Mass included a renewal of baptismal promises, a commitment to the Catholic Church and the presentation of a rose to the Virgin Mary.
"I wasn't really in touch with my Hispanic side, and being a Florecita really brought it out a lot," said Brooke Mendoza, 19, whose sister Celeste Mendoza and cousin Gabriela Castañeda follow her as Florecitas this year.
"It strengthened my appreciation for being a Hispanic woman and for my religion. I'm seeing that same thing happening with my sister and cousin now, and I'm a little jealous."
If you go:
What: The Fiesta en Xochimilco ball, held by the League of Mexican American Women. The fiesta is a fundraiser for college and university scholarships and will feature the presentation of this year's 20 Florecitas, who are girls celebrating their 15th birthdays. Former Florecitas will also be presented.
Where: Tucson Convention Center's Grand Ballroom, 260 S. Church Ave.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets: $30 for adults and $20 for ages 18 and younger.
For more Information: Call Jo Ann Trujillo at 327-3740 or Alice Eckstrom at 622-1630.
"For the girls, to have their families behind them and to see that the community cares about them — it makes them stronger women and more confident."
Edward Espinosa, father of two Florecitas