A traditional quinceañera candle ceremony uses 15 candles.
The fifteen candles are commonly dedicated to people who have played important roles in the celebrant’s life. She may light or present them individually while naming relatives, friends, mentors, or other loved ones. The ritual turns the birthday’s number into a visible expression of gratitude and remembrance.
The candle ceremony is not identical everywhere. Some families dedicate candles to living people, while others include a candle honoring someone who has died. The speeches, order, and recipients are personal choices rather than rules imposed by the Catholic Church.
The fifteen candles should not be confused with the fifteen attendants in a court. A corte de honor can contain a different number of people, and many celebrations do not use a full court at all. The candles are symbolic and may be displayed on a table or presented individually.