In a traditional quinceañera, the ceremony honoring important people commonly uses 15 candles. The candles are associated with the honoree’s fifteen years and may be presented to people who have played meaningful roles in her life.
The candle ritual is often called the ceremony of the fifteen candles. The honoree may light or give candles individually, sometimes while naming relatives, friends, mentors, or other loved ones. Families adapt the order and meaning to their own traditions.
This ritual is separate from the changing-of-the-shoes ceremony and the presentation of the last doll, both of which are other symbolic customs associated with quinceañeras. Practices vary by country, denomination, and family, so not every celebration includes all of these elements.