In a quinceañera, the candle ceremony commonly features 15 candles.
The candles represent the celebrant’s fifteen years and may be presented to people who have played important roles in her life. Depending on the family, she may light the candles herself, give them to relatives and friends, or say a few words during the presentation.
Candle ceremonies are one of several symbolic customs connected with quinceañeras. Other families emphasize a religious blessing, a special dance, a court of attendants, or gifts such as jewelry. There is no single worldwide script governing every celebration.
The number should not be confused with the number of people in the court. Some celebrations use a court of 14 attendants, while others use a different arrangement or no formal court at all. The fifteen candles relate directly to the celebrant’s age.