The honoree in a quinceañera ceremony is commonly called the quinceañera.
The term is feminine Spanish and is also used for the celebration itself in everyday English. In Spanish, quinceañera can therefore describe the young woman turning 15 as well as the milestone event associated with her birthday.
A quinceañera may be accompanied by a court of honor, traditionally made up of chambelanes and damas. The court participates in formal entrances, dances, or photographs, but its membership and size differ widely among families.
The word is sometimes written with an accent over the final a: quinceañera. The ñ is an important Spanish letter, and the spelling should not be confused with madrina or padrino, terms used for female and male sponsors or ceremonial supporters.