Our Traditions
Catholic Nuptial Mass:
Everyone is welcomed during this ceremony. The mass includes a sequence of events: several rites, multiple prayers, Liturgy of the Word, readings, lasso, arras, exchange of rings, holy communion, etc.
Music:
The expectation is to be dancing all night (until 2 a.m.)!
Here are the genres of music that will likely be played: cumbia, norteña, bachata, huapango/zapateo, duranguense, salsa, merengue. There will also be some popular line dances: Cupid Shuffle, The Wobble, No Rompas Mi Corazón, Payaso del Rodeo, La Macarena and YMCA.
Primer Baile:
The first time the newlywed couple dances together at the wedding reception.
El Muertito:
It is a fun way to say goodbye to single life and say “hello” to marriage. All men are called to gather around the dance floor and carry the groom following the beat of “La Marcha Fúnebre” (The Funeral March).
Baile de Padre/Hija - Madre/Hijo:
The bride invites her father to dance. Following the father-daughter performance, the groom invites his mother to the dance floor. These dances show respect and gratitude for their love and support.
El Baile del Billete:
“El Baile de Billete,” meaning the money dance, is a traditional celebration where the guests take turns dancing with the bride and groom. The guests give the bride and groom money in exchange for a moment to dance with them.
El Ramo y la Liga:
“Lanzar el Ramo,” or to throw the bouquet, occurs as single ladies gather behind the bride, who will throw her bouquet blindly to one of them. The myth shares that the one who catches the bouquet will be the next to get married. “Tirar la Liga” is known as the Garter Toss in the U.S. The groom removes his bride’s garter while the bride remains sitting on a chair. The groom then has to throw the garter without looking towards the gathered group of men. The man who catches the garter is believed to be the one to marry next.
La Vibora de la Mar:
“La Vibora de la Mar,” meaning sea snake, is a song that wedding guests sing and dance to while holding hands. Eventually, the dancers duck under a “bridge” formed by the bride and groom holding hands and standing on chairs facing each other. The song's origin is uncertain, and various versions of the lyrics and music have existed throughout the centuries.
El Brindis:
“El Brindis” is the wedding toast. A few words of wishes or blessings for the newlywed couple are given, after which all the guests take a sip of drink in agreement.
Partir el Pastel:
This is the cutting of the cake. It symbolizes the couple's love and commitment to one another. It's a public display that they are willing to share everything, including their food and drink, for the rest of their lives.