DIBOLL, Texas — An East Texas city is trying to make a name for itself as the quinceañera capital of the Lone Star State.
Diboll is embracing generations of traditions and values that are a vital part of a quinceañera. In the Hispanic community, a quinceañera is an important celebration that represents a young girl's transition from childhood to adulthood on their 15th birthday.
"Quinceañeras are a really important part of our community. Aside from being a really fun party that everybody has a good time at, they’re about faith, family, and community. That’s what Diboll is all about," said Jason Arnold, Diboll city manager.
The Diboll City Council has already passed a resolution to give the city the title of 'Quinceañera Capital of Texas.' Now, they just need approval by the county and Texas Legislature within two years to make it official. The city has partnered with JC’s Party Rentals, which has plenty of quinceañera experience, to host and organize these parties.
"There’s always going to be Hispanic girls that celebrate this, it’s not gonna be something that’s going to go away any time soon. The environment and culture here are really strong as far as Hispanics go, not just in Diboll but in surrounding areas. Diboll just has a venue that works," said Viry Cruz, co-owner of JC's Party Rentals.
City officials and the community are on-board but so are vendors who are an essential part of the party.
"I got all the vendors to offer a discount, an exclusive price for the civic center. So if they rent it they get exclusive pricing, and a lot of them were eager, they said yes and didn’t think twice about it," Cruz said. "So, it’s been great, and we’ve managed to pretty much get every category that’s needed."
Diboll will be hosting the 2024 “Quince Expo” at the Civic Center on January 14. This will be the city’s first real chance to show how the partnership between the city and JC’s Party Rentals has really made Diboll the number-one place to host your quinceañeras.