The Spanish term for the 15-year-old female celebrant in a traditional quinceañera is quinceañera.
The word combines quince, meaning “fifteen,” with the feminine ending -añera. In Spanish-speaking usage, it can identify both the celebrant and, by extension, the birthday celebration held in her honor. The masculine form is quinceañero, although the feminine term is much more widely recognized internationally.
The celebration is especially associated with Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and Latino communities elsewhere. Customs vary substantially by family, country, religion, and budget, so there is no single required program. A formal dress, a court of attendants, dancing, a family party, and sometimes a religious service are common features, but none is universal.
“Quinceañera” is often translated as “sweet fifteen” in English, but that phrase describes the celebration rather than the Spanish grammatical term for the celebrant.