In a traditional quinceañera, what Spanish phrase names the celebration of thanks at church?

Misa de acción de gracias is the Spanish phrase for the quinceañera thanksgiving Mass.

The phrase translates literally as “Mass of thanksgiving.” It describes the Catholic church service associated with some quinceañeras, during which the family gives thanks for the young woman’s life and asks for guidance and blessings. The Mass commonly takes place before the reception.

This religious element helps explain why a quinceañera may have two connected parts: a church observance and a social celebration. The reception can include food, music, the court of honor, formal dances, and symbolic presentations. Neither part has exactly the same form in every country or parish.

The phrase is sometimes shortened in English-language discussions to “quinceañera Mass,” but Misa de acción de gracias is the more precise Spanish expression. It should not be confused with a wedding Mass or with a sacrament conferring adulthood.