What is the honoree of a quinceañera celebration traditionally called?

The honoree of a quinceañera celebration is traditionally called the quinceañera.

The word identifies the girl or young woman whose fifteenth birthday is being celebrated. In Spanish, the ending and context distinguish the celebrant from the event itself, although English usage often uses quinceañera for both the person and the party.

The quinceañera is usually the visual focus of the event. She may wear a formal gown, enter with relatives or a court, participate in a dance, and receive symbolic items. The exact program varies among families and countries, and contemporary celebrations may include different clothing, music, or ceremony choices.

The term is not a title that creates a legal rank. It is a cultural designation connected to the birthday ritual. Similar coming-of-age celebrations can exist in other cultures, but the word quinceañera specifically belongs to the Spanish-language tradition associated with a fifteenth birthday.