Looking overwhelmed by the attention, yet resplendent in an elaborate fuchsia dress and a tiara, Rubi Ibarra celebrated her 15th birthday on Monday in a rural Mexican village after the Facebook invitation to the event by her father went viral and made her the toast of the country.
Family members had to help the girl make her way through a crowd of reporters and photographers, so that she could reach her own Quinceanera mass 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 laden with food.
“Everyone Is Cordially Invited”
Thousands of people from across Mexico poured into the community of La Joya for Rubi’s Quinceanera celebration – a Mexican tradition where families throw extravagant parties to celebrate a young girl’s coming of age, her 15th birthday.
Rubi’s party gained national and international notoriety in early December after a local event photographer posted a video of the girl's father describing a down-home birthday party complete with food, local bands and horse races.
In the video, posted on Facebook, the cowboy hat-wearing Crescencio Ibarra describes the party and prizes, before announcing that “everyone is cordially invited.”
According to reports, 1.3 million people from around the world accepted Crescencio’s invite.
Rubi's mother later clarified that the invitation was only meant for their neighbouring communities.
However, by then, the video had been posted on YouTube and had been seen by millions. It also sparked tributes by musical stars, inspired jokes and garnered offers of sponsorships by companies.
Mexican airline Interjet published a promotion offering a 30 percent discount on flights to San Luis Potosi, under the slogan "Are you going to Rubi's party?"
Man Dies During Party
A 66-year-old man was killed during a horse race during the celebrations.
Felix Pena, who worked at a local stable, was rushed to the hospital after he was trampled upon by the horses. He later succumbed to his injuries.
(With inputs from AP and CNN)
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