Filipino Cotillion Traditions
A Cotillion in the Philippines is celebrated when a young girl turns 18 years of age and officially becomes a young woman, called a “debutante.” Cotillions are celebrated in the Philippines mostly by those in high society, and much time and money are spent on their planning. Families of Filipino descent have brought the tradition with them to the United States. The Filipino Cotillion tradition is a throwback to the Spanish colonization era (between 1521 and 1898) and is popular among the upper class of Philippine society. Historically, the Cotillion was used by the girl’s family particularly to introduce her to young men of marrying age who belonged to the same upper-class society. In the U.S. between the mid-1960s through the early 1990s, group cotillions became popular. Group cotillions allowed families who would otherwise not be able to afford the expenses associated with this celebration to host them. Cotillions and wedding preparations are similar in the time and money spent. For