In a traditional quinceañera candle ceremony, the honoree may light or present fifteen candles.
The fifteen candles correspond to the fifteen years being celebrated. Depending on the family and region, the quinceañera may dedicate individual candles to important people, such as parents, relatives, friends, or mentors. The ceremony is therefore both symbolic and personal.
There is no single worldwide script for the candle ritual. Some families include it during the reception, while others omit it or replace it with another tribute. Quinceañera customs have always varied by country, community, religion, and family tradition.
The candle ceremony should not be confused with the court of honor or with the changing-of-shoes ritual. Those are separate customs that may appear in the same celebration but have different meanings.