In a quinceañera, what Spanish term commonly refers to the male celebrant?

In a quinceañera, quinceañero is the Spanish term commonly used for a male celebrant.

The word follows the same connection to quince años, or 15 years, as quinceañera. The masculine ending distinguishes quinceañero from the traditionally feminine quinceañera. English-language discussions often use quinceañera as the name of the celebration even when describing broader or changing practices.

Male versions of the celebration are less standardized across communities. Some families use quinceañero for a boy’s 15th-birthday observance, while others simply celebrate a 15th birthday without adopting a formal rite-of-passage name. Customs can therefore differ significantly by country, religion, and family.

The term should not be confused with chambelán, which names a male attendant in the celebrant’s court. A quinceañero is the person being honored; a chambelán is a participant who accompanies the celebrant.