Quinceañero is the masculine Spanish term sometimes used for a boy’s fifteenth-birthday celebration or celebrant.
The feminine term quinceañera is much more widely known because the tradition historically centered on girls. In some Spanish-speaking communities, however, families have adapted the milestone for boys and use quinceañero for the young man or for the event. The related term quinceañera remains the established name for the traditional female-centered celebration.
A quinceañero may borrow familiar elements such as a formal party, family speeches, special clothing, music, dancing, and a ceremonial presentation. There is no single worldwide format, and the presence or absence of religious customs depends on the family and community.
The word is not the same as quinceañero in every possible context: Spanish gender and regional usage can affect how people describe the celebrant. English-language sources also vary in spelling, capitalization, and whether they apply the term to the person or the party.