Party crashers
Teen girl becomes toast of country after father’s party invite draws crowd on social media
Thousands attend a Mexican teen’s gala as an invite goes viral.
Looking overwhelmed by the attention, yet resplendent in a fuchsia dress and tiara, Rubi Ibarra celebrated her 15th birthday on Monday in a rural Mexican village after the invitation to the event by her father went viral and made her the toast of the country.
Family members had to open a path for the girl through reporters and photographers snapping her picture so she could reach the Mass for her in a field in central San Luis Potosi state. A large billboard saying “Welcome to my 15th birthday party” with Rubi’s picture towered over the tents and tables filled with food.
Thousands of people from across Mexico poured into the community of La Joya for the “quinceanera” celebration, a traditional coming-of-age party in which families often throw big, costly bashes for their daughters.
“I came to see if they would give me a dress for my granddaughter for her 15 th birthday in May,” said Victoriano Obregon, who came all the way from the northern state of Coahuila for an event which by Monday evening resembled a rock concert with music and large crowds.
Rubi’s bash gained national and international fame after a local photographer posted a video on his Facebook page of the girl’s father, Crescencio Ibarra, describing a downhome birthday party complete with food, local bands and horse races. In the video, cowboy hat-wearing Crescencio describes the party and prizes, before announcing that “everyone is cordially invited”.
Rubi’s mother later explained that Crescencio had only been referring to everyone in the neighboring communities, not the world, but by then the video had been seen by millions online, sparking tributes by celebrities, jokes and offers of sponsorships by companies.
Jose Antonio Sosa, an expert on social media at the Iberoamericana University, said the country’s obsession with Rubi’s party reflected a need for lighter stories in a society weary of violence and economic problems.
However, all the attention surprised the poor communities near where Rubi’s family lived. The access roads were blocked with cars and state police and Red Cross workers monitored the situation.
Some locals said they hoped something good could come out of it for the communities, which have a mezcal distillery but where residents are pleading for cellphone coverage.
“More than anything, this can bring attention to us ... so people can see the unemployment,” said local resident Rutilio Ibarra.