A Catholic Mass commonly precedes the reception in quinceañera traditions.
This service is often called a Misa de acción de gracias, or thanksgiving Mass. It gives the celebration a religious setting and allows the quinceañera to express gratitude for her life and family. The Mass may include prayers, special blessings, and participation by parents, godparents, and members of the court of honor.
A quinceañera is not the same as a Catholic sacrament. The Mass does not confer a new sacrament or make the celebrant an adult in church law. Customs vary substantially: some families hold a religious service, while others choose a civil ceremony or a purely family-centered celebration.
The reception generally follows the service and may include formal entrances, music, dancing, a meal, and a cake. The order and religious content depend on the family’s beliefs, country, parish, and local tradition.