In a traditional quinceañera, what is the name of the Catholic thanksgiving Mass sometimes held for the honoree?

A traditional quinceañera may include a Misa de acción de gracias, or thanksgiving Mass, for the honoree.

The service is a Catholic religious element associated with quinceañera celebrations in many Latin American and Latino communities. Families may attend Mass before the reception, where the quinceañera gives thanks for her life and asks for guidance as she enters a new stage.

The Mass is not required at every quinceañera. Customs vary by country, family, parish, and denomination, and some celebrations are entirely secular. The reception, formal clothing, music, court, and family rituals can also occur without a church service.

The phrase is sometimes loosely translated as “thanksgiving Mass.” It should not be confused with the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday or with a wedding Mass, because a quinceañera is not a marriage ceremony.