The Real Reason El Paso Quinceañera Courts Hang Out at the Mall

Ok. So, I have a confession to make: I used to judge the teenagers I saw walking around Cielo Vista mall in their quinceañera dresses and suits.

I would see an entire quinceañera court strolling through the mall, taking pictures, getting food and basically looking like they had just escaped from a ballroom, and I’d think, “Why are y’all at the mall dressed like that?” It just didn’t make sense to me because when I had my quince we didn’t do that. 

Well… karma has a funny way of humbling you because this past weekend I had to chaperone my niece and her quinceañera court while they hung out at the mall before the dance.

Courtesy: Iris Lopez

The Real Reason Quinceañera Courts Hang Out at the Mall

At first me and my boyfriend were embarrassed because again, we were always the ones wondering why kids came to the mall before the Quince dance! However, after spending a few hours with them, I finally understood why they did this.

For teenagers, the mall is basically a giant pre-party!

Courtesy: Iris Lopez

El Paso Teens REALLY Love Cielo Vista Mall

When we got to Cielo Vista mall we were not the only Quince court at the mall. According to one of my nieces, there were about a total of EIGHT quince courts at the mall. Just walking around, being teens.

We all went to Starbucks to grab some caffeine because let's be honest, the quince had not even started yet but hair, makeup and taking pictures did a number on our energy levels so caffeine was needed! 

Courtesy: Iris Lopez

While me and my boyfriend were sitting and drinking our Starbucks, we began “people watching” and saw all of these carefree teens just enjoying their time at the mall. No parents around to yell at them.

We realized that kids going to the mall gave the whole court a chance to hang out together before the formal event begins, grab some food, take pictures in their outfits, laugh, shop and just enjoy being teenagers before they have to spend the rest of the night following a schedule of dances, photos and family traditions.

And let’s be honest, part of the fun is seeing everyone dressed up. A quinceañera is a huge milestone, and after months of planning, practicing dances and getting everything ready, they want to enjoy the moment.

Courtesy: Iris Lopez

I Judged Teens in Quince Outfits at the Mall, Then This Happened

Once our mall time was over, my embarrassment turned into a sense of pride! I was walking out of the mall with my niece in her BEAUTIFUL dress and my heart would smile everytime a complete stranger would pass by and compliment her dress and how beautiful she looked.

A few little girls even came up to her to ask, “can we take a picture with the princess.” CUE THE TEARS!!!

For my niece, spending time at the mall was not only just to hang out with her court, it was also time for her to shine!!

She was proud to be wearing that dress (which was VERY expensive I might add) and she felt beautiful! So why not head to the mall and show off how amazing you look!!!

Courtesy: Iris Lopez

Sure, getting compliments from family members is cool, but when a complete stranger stops what they're doing just to say, “You look absolutely beautiful and that dress is gorgeous,” that feeling, is something else! And I’m so happy I got to witness that with my niece.

So, to every teenager I've ever silently judged for mall-walking in formal wear, I owe you an apology because I get it now.

The mall isn't just the mall. It’s the quince court pregame, and I’m glad I was able to be part of my niece’s quince court pregame!

Courtesy: Iris Lopez

And once the mall fun is over, then it’s time to continue celebrating on th party bus! Another tradition that proves sometimes kids just wanna be kids!!

I was forced to sit far away from the court because they didn’t want me to judge them. Whatever. Fair enough.

Thankfully there was enough room in our party bus for this Auntie to hang out! (Thanks Royal Crown 915) And hearing the sound of teenage kids laughing, being weird, and doing TikTok dances was the icing on the cake!