"Quinceañeras: Latinidades and Girlhood in Popular Culture" by Diana Leon-Boys, Jillian Báez, and Angharad N. Valdivia

• Event Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
• Time: 4:30 pm–6:00 pm (CDT)
• Location: Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana, IL

• Talk

Join the editors of "Quinceañeras: Latinidades and Girlhood in Popular Culture"(external link) for a conversation celebrating the release of their edited collection. Diana Leon-Boys, Jillian Báez, and Angharad N. Valdivia are alums of the Institute of Communications Research at the University of Illinois. As well, all three were deeply engaged with the Department of Latina/ Latino Studies. Finally, the Spurlock Museum hosted the Quinceañeras: Celebration, Joy, and Ethnic Pride exhibit in 2024 that inspired the production of this book.

The book brings together scholars from across disciplines, especially Media Studies, Latinx Studies, and Girls Studies. The book examines quinceañeras as a dynamic cultural institution that illuminates questions of identity, gender, race, family, religion, media, and consumer culture across the Americas.

The event will begin with a brief discussion of the book, followed by a moderated conversation with the editors exploring the origins of the project, the significance of quinceañeras within Latinx/e communities and popular culture, and the broader questions the collection raises about girlhood, cultural traditions, and belonging. Audience members will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A.

Whether you have celebrated a quinceañera, studied Latinx/e culture and/or Girls Studies, or are simply curious about one of the most enduring coming-of-age traditions in the Americas, this event offers an opportunity to engage with the cultural meanings and contemporary significance of the quinceañera.