A quinceañera traditionally marks a girl's 15th birthday.
The Spanish word quinceañera refers both to the young woman celebrating and, commonly, to the celebration itself. The event recognizes a transition from childhood toward young womanhood, although modern families interpret that transition in different ways.
A quinceañera may include a religious service, a formal reception, ceremonial dances, special clothing, and symbolic gifts. Customs vary considerably by country, region, family, and religious background. In many communities, the celebration is more important as a family and cultural gathering than as a fixed legal or religious rite.
The tradition is especially associated with Mexico, Latin America, Spain-influenced communities, and Latino families in the United States. It should not be confused with a universal legal coming-of-age age: the celebration is cultural, while legal adulthood differs from country to country.