When a girl turns fifteen years of age in most Latin American countries, her family holds a BIG party to celebrate her becoming a woman. I've been to such events held by Mexican families and by Costa Rican families, but tonight's party was the first Panamanian celebration I've attended. Photos will help to illustrate just how big of a deal this is for Latin American families. The young lady being celebrated tonight is from a socio-economically humble family matrix. The costs parents incur to hold these events for their daughters will never cease to impress me.
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| Birthday Girl's Place of Honor |
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| Father presenting his daughter with the traditional ring. |
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| Mother presenting daughter with traditional high-heeled sandals. |
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| A few of the partygoers |
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| Proud, if not stressed, parents |
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| Sandal-bearer, Ring-bearer, and Flower Girl |
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| Singer / Entertainer |
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| Brother-Sister Waltz |
