Families are not letting virus ruin life’s cherished occasions

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION)

During this pandemic families are not letting it ruin special moments.

One Quinceanera in Watsonville demonstrates how despite having to downscale her initial plans, life's celebrations continue under COVID.

Maryela Esmerald Contreras Chavez looks like a princess with her pink dress and dazzling hair piece. She also looks like a young lady and not a little girl. Two weeks ago she celebrated her birthday with a Quincenera, considered a rite of passage within the Catholic Church for Hispanic families.

“Even though there wasn't that many people there, as I would have liked. It was still really nice to have that moment,” said Chavez.

Maryela and her family had hoped to have a beautiful mass inside Saint Patrick's Catholic Church. However, they learned that too wasn't going to be possible. Under California’s Coronavirus regulations all religious services at places of worship have to be held outdoors.

The mass instead, took place outside in the parking lot, her priest seen giving the blessing, wore a mask and the number of small guest socially distanced. Only a small number of people attended.

This images themselves were symbolic of the world we are living in.

“It shouldn't stop us. we should just have precautions and do it in a way that's safe for everyone. But I don't think it should ruin someone's moment or day. 2:22

Maryela's mom, Carmen Chavez, says the decision wasn't easy. They had been planning her mass and big party almost a year back. Still as traditional parents she says they wanted a simple mass, and a moment with their daughter to always cherish.  

“We wanted her to receive a blessing. No ceremony. No party. And she accepted," said Chavez.