A quinceañera traditionally celebrates a girl’s 15th birthday. The Spanish word quinceañera can refer both to the celebrant and to the birthday celebration itself.
The event marks a symbolic transition from childhood toward young womanhood. In many families, the celebration combines a religious service, a formal reception, music, dancing, food, and speeches. Customs differ substantially by country, region, family, and religious tradition.
The age 15 is especially associated with Latin American cultures, although quinceañeras are also celebrated by Latino families in the United States and elsewhere. The celebration is not a legal change of status: turning 15 does not itself grant adult rights.
A common mix-up is confusing a quinceañera with a sweet sixteen party. Both can mark adolescence, but the quinceañera traditionally centers on the 15th birthday and has distinctive Latin American cultural and religious elements.