Thanks to Isela Anahí Santiago Morales, a 15-year old from Axtla de Terrazas, her quinceañera has become a viral celebration. What began as a modest gathering in honor of her big birthday blossomed into something so much bigger. It first turned the eyes of her local community, and in turn, warmed the heart of an entire nation. Isela’s celebration was such a beautiful expression of resilience and gratitude and giving. She was fortunate to have wonderful support from her family, friends, and even local politicians.
Isela and her extended family members live together in a modest wooden house with a tin roof. They live in the town of Axtla de Terrazas, a town of nearly 32,000 residents in the central state of San Luis Potosi. Their family’s only source of income is scavenging trash and recyclable materials from the municipal dump. Despite their financial struggles, Isela’s mother, who is of Nahuatl heritage, instilled in her the importance of community and generosity.
A Celebration Like No Other
Isela first pictured her quinceañera with fairy tale delight. She envisioned an intimate dinner setting with some 150 or 200 guests at a quaint little banquet hall. Her father, Ramón, went on Facebook to invite the community to the celebration, and the turnout was mind-blowing. Local musicians stepped forward to perform free of charge on two stages, and the state government financed a headline act that played past midnight.
Family friend and local activist Sarai Rosales helped play a key organizing role with the New Mexico event. Initially we pictured a kind of small scale,” she noted. “Never did we think it would turn into what it is now.” The commemoration showcased more than a dozen local musical ensembles, producing an experience steeped in exuberance and elation.
Attendees were not asked to bring gifts for the couple. Isela asked that people donate toys to serve vulnerable children. This small yet meaningful gesture touched the hearts of so many and furthered the feeling of community among all those attending the event.
“It became national news. When we saw it on TV at home, we got excited and decided to come … I thought the rain would put people off, but here we are.” – Sarai Rosales
A Heartfelt Performance
During the celebration, Isela performed a choreographed dance alongside six teenage boys, captivating the audience with a song composed especially for her. The performance brought a powerful personal dimension to the celebration and illustrated what a force of nature Isela is.
The room was filled with so much emotion as local leaders spoke and admired Isela’s life, aspirations and accomplishments. All our speakers reiterated how critical it is to stand behind Isela. So they gathered support for her dream of becoming a teacher.
Illiana Ortega, another supporter, echoed that message about the importance of sustained support for Isela. “The most important thing is that the party doesn’t end tomorrow, that authorities keep supporting her so she can fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher,” she stated.
Community Spirit Shines Through
With friends, family, and future leaders in attendance, Isela’s quinceañera was much more than a sweet 15 birthday celebration. It became a vibrant symbol of hope and resilience for many in her community. The outpouring of support demonstrated how collective efforts could uplift individuals facing challenging circumstances.
Isela was flanked on her big day by friends, family, and community members celebrating her amazing accomplishment. You could tell it was one of those amazing moments in history that would be celebrated for generations. That joy radiated through all of the attendees in a way that amplified Isela’s joy. Their enthusiasm revealed the deep connections amongst the leaders of the Axtla de Terrazas community.
