What is the name commonly given to the religious service sometimes held for a quinceañera?

The religious service sometimes held for a quinceañera is commonly called a misa de acción de gracias.

The Spanish phrase translates roughly as “thanksgiving Mass.” In families that include a Catholic ceremony, the service gives thanks for the celebrant’s life and asks for blessing and guidance. It may take place before the reception, often in a parish church.

This Mass is not universal. Some quinceañeras are entirely secular, and practices differ among countries, churches, and families. Even Catholic celebrations can vary in their readings, music, clothing, attendants, and relationship to the later party.

The service is also distinct from a wedding. A quinceañera does not generally create a marital status, and the religious ceremony is a coming-of-age observance rather than a marriage rite. English-speaking families may use “quinceañera Mass” as a shorter description.