In a quinceañera, what Spanish term can describe a male celebrant of the same 15-year milestone?

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Quinceañero is a Spanish term that can describe a male celebrant of the same 15-year milestone.

The word parallels quinceañera, with the masculine ending -ero replacing the feminine form. Some Spanish-speaking families use quinceañero for a boy’s celebration, while others use broader phrases such as fiesta de quince años or simply describe the birthday without a special gendered label.

This vocabulary reflects how the tradition has been adapted. Historically and popularly, quinceañeras have most often centered on girls, but families have created versions for boys and inclusive celebrations. The exact program, clothing, court, and ceremony are matters of local custom and personal choice.

Quinceañero should not be confused with chambelán, which usually identifies a male member of the celebrant’s court. A quinceañero is the person whose milestone is being marked; a chambelán is generally part of the supporting group.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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