While it’s common to start things off with a father-daughter dance, the dances can actually be done in any order, especially with more modern debut parties. In it, 18 of her closest male friends present the guest of honor with a long-stemmed red rose, after which a short dance between the two takes place. Typically bookended by a father-daughter dance and a dance with a boyfriend or suitor, the 18 roses custom is a Filipina debut tradition that plays off of the theme of the 18th birthday. Paired off in nine couples, this dance is usually the highlight of the night, with 18 participants enacting a choreographed dance that is commonly a waltz - though modern interpretations may bend the rules a bit for another type of song if the debutante and her friends feel that something else may be more appropriate. Per cotillion etiquette, this group dance is performed by the debutante and her closest 18 friends. Lasting between five and 12 minutes, the waltz dance typically requires months of planning and rehearsal prior to the debut party. Much of the preparation for any Filipina debut has to do with the grand cotillion waltz dance. If you’re not sure where to start, here are five Filipina debut traditions to consider. After all, a Filipina debut is both a coming-of-age celebration as well as a celebration of Filipino culture, so it’s important to include both. That said, many of the details are up for interpretation, and each Filipina debut will likely have its own spin on which traditions to keep and which ones to reimagine or do without.

Things like 18 roses, 18 candles and 18 treasures are common Filipina debut traditions, in addition to the grand cotillion waltz dance and a special father-daughter dance. While both modern and traditional themes have quite a bit of overlap, you’ll have a lot more liberty to take chances with a modern debut theme, which can take shape in many possible ways.Ī traditional debut, on the other hand, will more closely resemble a ball or formal dance with strict adherence to customs that have historically been a part of debuts.

Themes can take on just about any shape and color as long as the guest of honor and other attendees are up for it, but a traditional theme is much different from a more modern and interpretive take on Filipina debuts. However, while the details are up to you and whoever else is tasked with planning the party, there are some Filipino 18th birthday debut traditions that you won’t want to miss.īut first you’ll need a theme for the Filipina debut. Not only is the 18th birthday a big deal in its own right, but in Filipino culture it’s customary to have a coming-of-age ceremony and a grand party to mark the occasion. For Filipino women, turning 18 is a reason for celebration.

Filipino debut party