In a quinceañera ceremony, what is the celebrant traditionally called?

In a quinceañera ceremony, the 15-year-old celebrant is traditionally called the quinceañera.

The term comes from Spanish and is formed from quince, meaning “fifteen,” with the feminine ending -añera. In everyday usage, quinceañera can identify either the girl or the birthday celebration honoring her.

A quinceañera is often accompanied by family members and a court of honor. The court may include damas, or female attendants, and chambelanes, or male attendants. Their exact number and roles vary widely.

The name should not be confused with a legal title or a universal religious designation. Some families hold a Catholic Mass, while others choose a civil, secular, or entirely family-centered celebration.