What is the traditional ceremony called when a quinceañera changes from flat shoes into high heels?

The traditional ceremony when a quinceañera changes from flat shoes into high heels is called the changing of the shoes.

In this symbolic ritual, the celebrant’s father or another important family member may replace her flat shoes with high-heeled shoes. The change represents a movement from childhood toward young womanhood. It is often performed during the reception and may be followed by a dance.

The custom is widespread in descriptions of quinceañera traditions, but it is not mandatory. Some families omit it, use different footwear, or reinterpret the symbolism. The person who performs the change can also vary; the father is common in some families, while a mother, guardian, or another relative may take the role.

This ceremony is not a legal declaration of adulthood. It is one of several symbolic moments that can appear in a quinceañera, alongside the presentation of the celebrant, a formal waltz, and the giving of jewelry or other gifts.