What is the Catholic thanksgiving Mass often held as part of a quinceañera called in Spanish?

The Catholic thanksgiving Mass often held as part of a quinceañera is called a misa de acción de gracias.

The phrase literally means “Mass of thanksgiving.” In Catholic families, it gives the celebration a religious setting and allows the honoree and relatives to give thanks for her life and ask for continued guidance. The Mass may take place before the reception and can include special readings, music, and blessings.

A quinceañera is not itself a sacrament of the Catholic Church. It is a cultural and religious celebration associated with a girl’s fifteenth birthday. Practices vary by country, parish, and family: some celebrations include Mass, while others are held only as social events.

The ceremony is sometimes confused with a baptism, First Communion, or wedding because all may take place in a church. Its defining purpose, however, is thanksgiving and the recognition of a young person’s transition into a new stage of life.