Today I will tell you about Debutante Balls in Laredo.

After the war between the United States and Mexico in 1848, the city of Laredo became a part of the United States. A little later, in 1896, the residents of the city decided that Laredo needed a festival in the American style. This holiday was the birthday of George Washington. Half a century later, in 1939, The Society of Martha Washington was created by ladies there. The society was the organizer of one of the most important annual events in the city — the Debutante Ball. The debutantes are daughters of some of the most wealthy and respected citizens of the city. Their entry into adulthood is marked at the Ball where they get ready for a presentation ceremony. Every year Martha and George Washington represent the most respected residents of the city.

Rehearsals start a year prior to the event. Girls learn manners and etiquette, how to do a deep curtsy.

Then the manufacture of garments begins — that girls are signed up almost from birth. Traditionally, these are dresses of the American South of the second half of the 19th century, with plump crinolines. The manufacture of such dresses costs from 30 to 40 thousand dollars. They are made of silk or velvet and decorated with lace and embroidery, beads and stones and weigh up to 85 pounds.

The ceremony of the presentation of Sarah R in Laredo:

Here are breathtaking dresses: