In show of sympathy, stood-up quinceañera finds herself surrounded by thousands of new friends

A Mexican teen’s disappointing quinceañera was transformed into a viral solemnisation connected Saturday aft societal media helped rally thousands to her side.

About six weeks ago, Isela Anahí Santiago Morales was expecting a joyful quinceañera — the accepted coming-of-age solemnisation marking a girl’s 15th birthday — successful Axtla de Terrazas, her hometown of astir 32,000 successful the north-central authorities of San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Instead, she recovered herself astir unsocial aft friends and guests failed to appear.

“My dada said we couldn’t fto the nutrient spell to waste, truthful helium posted connected Facebook that we had capable near for 40 people,” said Isela, who lives with her parents and sister successful a humble woody location with a tin roof.

Her mother, of Nahua heritage, and her begetter gain a surviving by collecting garbage; the household had saved up to big a small party connected July 9, which unluckily fizzled (with nary mentation why).

Her father’s heartfelt station soon thereafter changed everything.

Soon, connection spread. Strangers, businesses and metropolis officials offered to help. Donations poured in. The municipal shot stadium, which has stands that tin spot astir 800, was secured for a 2nd party.

The viral spark came erstwhile a section lensman offered a escaped shoot, followed by DJ and lawsuit organizer Jerónimo Rosales, who pledged to supply music.

This past Saturday, hundreds flooded the tract for the celebration. Rain fell, but the numbers (150 to 200 were primitively expected) continued to turn until determination were astir 2,000 revelers.

Police managed crowds arsenic guests arrived from crossed Mexico and adjacent Texas.

“It became nationalist news,” said Sarai Rosales, 44, who came from Dallas immoderate 900 miles away. “When we saw it connected TV astatine home, we got excited and decided to travel … I thought the rainfall would enactment radical off, but present we are.”

A twelve section bands played for free, fireworks lit the nighttime and, successful the end, assistance was received from 70 padrinos — which translates to “godparents,” but for quinceañeras means adjacent household members oregon friends who assistance wage for definite items (the cake, the dress, etc.) oregon connection their services arsenic photographers, musicians, etc.

Isela, who wore a billowy pinkish dress, asked for donations of toys for susceptible children alternatively of gifts for herself.

Traditional foods similar the regionally fashionable zacahuil (a ample tamale made with chickenhearted oregon pork) were served passim the marathon 12-hour event. The authorities authorities financed the header philharmonic act, and section politicians gave speeches from the stage.

Customs were honored, arsenic well. For example, Isela danced a waltz with her father, and helium presented her with her past doll — a contented marking the extremity of childhood.

And past determination were the surprises. Isela received the paperwork for a 90-square-meter crippled of onshore successful town, a assistance and an all-expenses-paid travel arsenic gifts. The teen burst into tears speechmaking the missive astir the land.

The solemnisation stretched into the aboriginal greeting hours. Confetti rained down arsenic Isela chopped her cake, surrounded by caller friends and supporters.

“We lone knew her from societal media, but we saw what was being organized and decided to join,” said Yolanda Castro, a 37-year-old homemaker who came with her hubby from a adjacent town.

“Thank you to everyone who is here, joining me,” Isela told the cheering crowd. “I anticipation you person a bully time, that you bask it, and I convey you from the bottommost of my heart.” 

With reports from El Financiero, Infobae, Associated Press and The Independent