In a traditional quinceañera, what type of church service may formally begin the celebration?

A traditional quinceañera may formally begin with a misa de acción de gracias, or Thanksgiving Mass.

The service gives the celebration a religious dimension, especially in Catholic families. The quinceañera and her family may attend church, receive a blessing, and express gratitude for her life and transition into young womanhood.

This church service is not identical to a wedding Mass, a baptism, or a first Communion. A quinceañera is a birthday and cultural milestone, although its religious elements vary by family, denomination, country, and personal belief.

Some modern celebrations omit the church ceremony and take place entirely at a reception venue. When included, however, the misa de acción de gracias is the standard Spanish term most closely associated with the religious opening of the event.