Spotify playlist, complete with mom’s favorite Bachata songs, the latest reggaeton, and a couple of salsa songs for Grandma to get down to ✅
White dress, shoes, and accessories ✅
Caterer to serve up our favorite dishes, like enchiladas, rice, beans, and Grandma’s secret arrachera steak recipe ✅
The choreographed dance you and your three best friends have been rehearsing to J. Balvin’s ‘Mi Gente’ for three months ✅
The above is what the planning checklist for a quinceañera, or the celebration when a young LatinX woman turns 15, might look like. Common in LatinX culture, the party is a big to-do, with family, friends, and lots of fun—and some overhead costs involved, too.
Bienvenidos a LatinX Heritage Month
September 15 marks the start of LatinX Heritage Month, the time of the year when the LatinX community and their allies celebrate the things that make their culture so vibrant, welcoming, and delicious.
Much of LatinX heritage is based upon history and tradition, which now guides a lot of celebrations in the culture, from Nochebuena to Año Viejo, Three Kings Day to the many Latin American Independence Days, and quinceañeras. But, whether you’re hosting or attending, we all know that festivities can come at a cost. Here’s a look at some of the rich traditions in the LatinX community, the reality of their price tags, and some tips on how to celebrate in style without breaking the bank.
Fiesta, fiesta 🎉
When it comes to fiestas—parties—celebrations in the LatinX community are rarely done halfway. That’s precisely how Chime member Yariel feels his heritage really shines. He recently planned a baby shower for his cousin, which involved decorating, gathering games to play, and preparing all of the food—traditional Puerto Rican relleno de papa (stuffed potatoes) and pinchos (skewers). Yariel jokes that his family really knows how to throw a party.
But parties aren’t only among families. Many Mexican towns commemorate Revolution Day with a parade featuring every school-aged student in costume marching in formation – cardboard rifles included! And on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), Cuban and Peruvian families stay up all night roasting a pig or turkey to enjoy together. Another reason to celebrate? The last day of December, known as Año Viejo, when families craft cardboard dolls and burn them to signify the end of the year.
With family at the heart of many LatinX traditions, it’s no wonder celebrations take place with loved ones – and lots of food! Just ask Chime member Chrystal: she said her family birthday parties always feature tables upon tables of food made from her grandma’s best recipes. Her grandma cooks for hours before their get-togethers, all to make sure they’re well-fed and having a good time.
The price of a fiesta
While they’re something to look forward to, the cost of parties can really add up. When you’re hosting, planning food, decorations, and party favors can get expensive. And attending—bringing a gift, buying a new outfit, planning transportation—isn’t free, either. In fact, a couple years ago, the average American party host spent over $1400 a year on party planning.
But the LatinX community is one of the first to recognize that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a great celebration. Yariel and Chrystal’s families surely never let being low on cash stop them from celebrating birthdays, baby showers, holidays, and more. Chrystal’s parents often took her family to the beach or park and brought snacks, which was always fun. Turns out, they were teaching her that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a great time together.
There are a ton of ways you can cut celebration costs so that honoring your LatinX heritage is affordable. Whether you’re going to see Mexican Independence Day fireworks or throwing a family member’s quinceañera, here are some Chime tips to help you do it all without breaking the bank:
1. Plan ahead:
Yariel says he’s learned that planning ahead for any kind of celebration is key. By thinking of everything you’ll need and putting a budget together beforehand, hidden party costs won’t sneak up on you.
Get the basics of budgeting down and put one together for your celebration
2. Follow the 50-30-20 rule:
Yariel’s grandma taught him to keep cash in a box, but her trick never worked for him. A trick that does? The 50-30-20 rule. Yariel puts 50% of his income into his savings, uses 30% for bills and necessities, and reserves 20% for fun. This rule helps him feel confident about his finances and plan celebrations without worrying too much.
Stick to the 50-30-20 rule so your savings don’t get thrown by throwing a party
3. Get family and friends to pitch in with SpotMe:
Leaning on your community, especially when you’re planning a celebration that includes them, is a great way to make celebrations more affordable. Ask party attendees to pitch in by sending you a SpotMe Boost, or bringing something for the gathering. Every 👏 little 👏 bit 👏 counts 👏!
Spread the love—and the cost of celebrating—with SpotMe Boosts
There’s so much to celebrate when it comes to LatinX heritage month, and we know that our LatinX members will keep the celebrations going year-round. The good news is, celebrating your heritage doesn’t have to stress you out or hurt your bank balance. By using these simple tips, you can get ahead of the cost of celebrations. And remember, a great time doesn’t have to break the bank!
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