Cameras flashed and reporters crowded around Isela Anahi Santiago Morales as the 15-year-old daughter of two sanitation workers, wearing a pink dress, stepped out of a vintage car into a downpour on 23/8. Friends escorted Isela to a stage.

Six weeks earlier, Isela's quinceanera (15th birthday party marking the transition to womanhood) was almost unknown. Her parents had prepared food and invited friends, but "a few people didn't come. My father said we couldn't waste the food, so he posted on Facebook that we had enough food for 40 more people," Isela explained.

That post changed everything.

Isela dances onstage during her 15th birthday party at a stadium in Axtla de Terrazas, Mexico, on 23/8. Photo: AP

Isela dances onstage during her 15th birthday party at a stadium in Axtla de Terrazas, Mexico, on 23/8. Photo: AP

Isela lives with her parents and sister in a small metal-roofed house in Axtla de Terrazas, a town of about 32,000 people in San Luis Potosi state. Her mother is of Nahuatl descent, and her parents make a living collecting garbage. They had saved up to host a small party on 9/7 for their daughter. Disappointment followed when few guests arrived.

Quinceaneras are culturally significant in Mexico and Latin America, symbolizing a girl's transition to adulthood. Families often save for years to afford these celebrations.

After seeing the Facebook post, a local photographer offered to take pictures for free. Then, DJ and event organizer Jeronimo Rosales offered his services, promising to provide music. "I've done the sound for many quinceanera parties," Rosales said, "and what any girl wants is a fun party with lots of people to share it with her. It was bad that she was alone, and I thought, no, I can't let that happen."

Isela joins her parents collecting garbage on 20/8. Photo: AP

Isela joins her parents collecting garbage on 20/8. Photo: AP

As the story spread on social media, donations poured in from local businesses and individuals. The local government offered the town stadium as a venue. On the evening of 23/8, thousands of people arrived despite occasional rain that briefly interrupted the music.

"Initially, we envisioned a small party, about 150-200 people in a small hall," Rosales said. "We never imagined it would become an event like this."

More than 10 local bands performed for free on two stages. The state government sponsored the main act, which lasted past midnight. Local politicians even made appearances.

Isela arrives at the stadium for her birthday party. Photo: AP

Isela arrives at the stadium for her birthday party. Photo: AP

Isela danced with six teenagers to a song composed specifically for her, a highlight of any quinceanera. Around 2,000 people attended, some traveling from as far as Texas.

"The event became national news. Watching it on TV at home, we were so excited and decided to come. I thought the rain would discourage people, but we're all here," said 44-year-old Sarai Rosales from Dallas.

Yolanda Castro, a 37-year-old homemaker who came with her husband from a neighboring town, said, "We only knew the girl through social media, but we saw what was being organized and decided to participate."

Isela, soft-spoken and shy under the spotlight, asked attendees to donate toys for underprivileged children instead of giving her gifts. However, she did open one gift onstage and cried when she saw the deed to a 90 square meter plot of land in Axtla. The local government also awarded her a scholarship to continue her education.

Illiana Ortega, a teacher at Isela's former elementary school, noted that the attention is only meaningful if it lasts. "The most important thing is that the party doesn't end tomorrow, that the authorities continue to support Isela so she can fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher," Ortega said.

A stylist places a crown on Isela's head, preparing her for the birthday party. Photo: AP

A stylist places a crown on Isela's head, preparing her for the birthday party. Photo: AP

The party continued until the early morning of 24/8. The rain persisted, but the crowd remained. Isela's shyness gave way to pure joy as she smiled radiantly while cutting the cake with Rosales and Ortega.

When asked if she cared about her newfound fame, Isela just shrugged and said, "I don't know." Her father, Ramon, who started it all with a Facebook post about leftover food, kept a low profile throughout the event, only taking the stage once to dance with his daughter.

Hong Hanh (According to AP)