A quinceañera traditionally celebrates a girl turning 15.
The Spanish word quinceañera derives from quince, meaning “fifteen,” and refers both to the celebrant and to the birthday celebration. The event marks a symbolic transition from childhood toward young womanhood in many Latin American communities and families of Latin American heritage.
The exact customs vary by country, denomination, family, and budget. Some celebrations include a religious service, a formal entrance, special dances, speeches, and a large reception, while others are smaller family gatherings. The age itself, however, is the defining number.
A quinceañera is sometimes compared with a sweet sixteen party, but the traditions are not identical. A sweet sixteen is generally associated with turning 16, whereas a quinceañera centers on the fifteenth birthday and has distinctive Hispanic and Latino cultural roots.