I'm going to tell you how special quinces in El Salvador are, but first I have to say that salvadoreñas are BEAUTIFUL! One of my favorite supermodels of all time is salvadoreña Christie Turlington (on her mom's side). Also, my friend, reporter Elizabeth Espinosa from KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles, is another gorgeous and talented salvadoreña. Elizabeth is actually the one who inspired me to write a post about la Fiesta Rosa.

Quinceañeras in El Salvador are called "Fiesta Rosa," or "rose party." The reason for the name is obvious. Everything is pink: pink dress, pink hat, pink gloves, pink bouquet, pink shoes, and pink decorations. In some cultures, rosa or rosado signifies innocence and girlhood.

El Salvador is a very Catholic culture, so that is why to start off the Fiesta Rosa, there is a traditional Thanksgiving mass, when family members present the quinceañera with gifts. A lot of Fiestas Rosas are celebrated in August, when salvadoreños also honor the patron saint of El Salvador, El Salvador del Mundo. August 6 is the national day of celebration, but the parties and parades last during the whole first week of August — which is actually happening right now, as I'm blogging!

La Fiesta Rosa is a big feast, usually prepared by the family and consisting of typical Salvadorean dishes, like casamiento, which is a mixture of rice and beans, and pupusas, which are made of cornmeal stuffed with cheese, refried beans, and chicharrón (fried pork fat).

Pupusas are one of the most important typical dishes of El Salvador and can't be missed at the Fiesta Rosa. Similar to the Venezuelan arepas, the pupusa is a handmade tortilla made of masa de maíz, a thick corn dough frequently used in Latin American cuisine. The pupusa is usually stuffed with either queso (cheese), refried beans (frijoles refritos), fried pork rind (chicharrón), and squash (ayote). Here's a recipe if you want to add a piece of El Salvador to your own quince, or Fiesta Rosa!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 5 cups masa harina flour
• 16 to 24 ounces of canned refried beans
• 3 cups soft white cheese

Preparation:

1. Using a large mixing bowl, slowly pour water into masa harina. Stir until dough forms a ball that can be handled.

2. In a separate bowl, pour the refried beans. Place the grated cheese into another bowl.

3. Divide dough into about 25 pieces. Roll each into a ball and flatten between the palms of your hands to about 1/2-inch thick. Put a spoonful of beans and a small handful of cheese into the center of each pupusa. Flatten again with the filling inside.

4. Fry the pupusas in a flat skillet. Cook each side 4 to 5 minutes until a pale golden brown. The outside should be firm and crisp.

I think a "Fiesta Rosa" would be a great theme for a quinceañera, especialmente si eres salvadoreña. Celebralo, and have fun!

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