The Spanish term quinceañera commonly names the young woman celebrating her 15th birthday.
The word is feminine and is also widely used in English to describe the party itself. In Spanish-language contexts, the exact usage can depend on region: quinceañera may identify the honoree, while quince or fiesta de quince años may identify the celebration.
The honoree is typically the central figure in a formal presentation, religious service, reception, or choreographed dance. Traditional clothing often includes an elaborate dress, although contemporary families use many styles, colors, and levels of formality. The celebration may be organized by parents, relatives, godparents, or a broader community.
A dama is a female member of the court of honor, not the honoree. A chambelán is generally a male escort or court member, and a madrina is a female sponsor or godmother in some celebrations. These related terms explain why the vocabulary can be confusing when the event is described in bilingual settings.