What is the name of the special quinceañera Mass often held before the reception?

The special quinceañera Mass often held before the reception is called a misa de acción de gracias.

Misa de acción de gracias means “thanksgiving Mass” in Spanish. In communities that observe a religious quinceañera, the celebrant and her family may attend this Catholic service before the party. The service gives the family an opportunity to express gratitude, receive a blessing, and present the milestone within a faith setting.

The Mass is commonly associated with Mexico and Mexican American communities, but religious quinceañera customs appear in many places. The wording and exact ceremony can vary by parish, country, and family. Some celebrations use another type of prayer service, and secular quinceañeras do not include a Mass.

A quinceañera Mass is therefore not the same as a wedding Mass or a universal rite of passage recognized by all Catholic parishes. It is a devotional celebration connected with a fifteenth birthday. The reception that follows may include the court of honor, formal dances, symbolic gifts, and a family meal.