Fifteen years party - 'the most important day of their lives'

In Peru, the 15th birthday for girls is not just a birthday, but one of the most important days of their lives. This day symbolizes the transition from childhood to womanhood and is celebrated like weddings in Germany: a ballroom, numerous guests, cameras, presents, food, music, a host leading through the evening, and a dress like that of a princess.

I attended such a celebration on Saturday and was overwhelmed by the scale of the festivity. Besides all the glamour, this day is also stressful for the guest of honor: photos, dancing, speeches, tossing bouquets... the program is full.

But despite everything, the young girls especially are enthusiastic about this celebration, where they can feel like a princess and be in the spotlight all evening. And of course, the parents are incredibly proud on such a day.

I'm thrilled that I was able to experience such a celebration as a guest. However, I'm glad that my 15th birthday was celebrated on a smaller scale.