The common shortened name for a quinceañera celebration is quince.
In everyday speech, especially in parts of the United States and among Latino communities, people may say “a quince” for the party or event. The shortened form comes directly from the Spanish word for fifteen and highlights the birthday at the center of the tradition.
Quince is not the same word as quinceañera in every grammatical use. Quinceañera can identify the celebrant, while quince commonly identifies the celebration itself. English speakers may also use “quinceañera” for both the person and the event.
Usage varies by country, family, and language. Some communities prefer the full term, while others use “quince,” “quince años,” or an English phrase such as “15th-birthday celebration.”