In a traditional quinceañera ceremony, the honoree may present fifteen candles to important people.
The fifteen candles correspond to the fifteen years being celebrated. The honoree may dedicate them to relatives, friends, mentors, or other people who have played meaningful roles in her life. In some versions, she speaks briefly about each recipient or explains why that person is significant.
This ritual is often known as the ceremony of the fifteen candles. Its precise order and wording differ among families and regions. Some celebrations include the candles during a reception, while others incorporate them into a religious or formal program.
The candles should not be confused with the fifteen roses sometimes used in related ceremonies. Roses and candles are separate symbolic elements, and neither is required at every event. The stable traditional number is fifteen, matching the honoree’s age and the name of the celebration.