What is the common Spanish name for the quinceañera’s thanksgiving ceremony?

The common Spanish name for a quinceañera’s thanksgiving ceremony is misa de acción de gracias.

The phrase translates as “thanksgiving Mass.” It describes the religious service held by many Catholic families to give thanks for the celebrant’s life and to ask for a blessing as she enters a new stage. The service may be held in a parish church before the reception.

The wording matters because a quinceañera Mass is not a separate sacrament created specifically for the birthday. It is a Catholic Mass adapted to the occasion, with readings, prayers, music, and a blessing chosen according to local practice. The celebrant may be accompanied by parents, sponsors, and her court.

Not every quinceañera includes this service. Secular families and families from other Christian traditions may hold a nonreligious ceremony or a different service. Even within Catholic communities, the exact order and terminology can vary by country, parish, and priest.