The Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice University (HACER) held a quinceañera event March 1 that promoted Hispanic culture and gave individuals the opportunity to experience their first quince.
This year’s HACER Quince was open to the entire Rice community, aiming to give students who haven’t had a quinceañera the chance to experience their own celebration.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first year the previously annual event was held since 2019.
“HACER recognizes that some of our Latine Rice students may have faced financial or other barriers when they turned 15 years old, which hindered their ability to receive a quince celebration from their families,” HACER Co-President Melissa Cantú said. “As a result, HACER aims to provide an opportunity for hosting this important rite of passage for them.
“HACER’s aim in hosting Quince is core to our value of culturally enriching Rice. We are proud to hold this space for all Rice community members, regardless if they identify as Latine or not, to partake in and learn from a Latin American traditional event that promotes community engagement, music, dance and cultural symbolism, fostering a rich and inclusive experience on campus.”
About 150 students, faculty and Rice community members participated in the event.
Quinceañera is one of many events organized by HACER that highlight Hispanic culture on campus. To learn more, visit hacer.rice.edu.
