What is the quinceañera’s formal religious celebration often called in Spanish?

The quinceañera’s formal religious celebration is often called a misa de acción de gracias.

“Misa de acción de gracias” translates as “Mass of thanksgiving.” In Catholic communities, it is a service in which the family gives thanks for the celebrant’s life and asks for blessing and guidance as she grows older. It may take place before the reception.

The wording emphasizes gratitude rather than a wedding or a funeral. A quinceañera Mass is therefore not a sacrament that changes the celebrant’s legal status, and it is not equivalent to a wedding ceremony. Its content and level of formality depend on the parish, family, and local custom.

Some families hold a religious service, while others have a secular celebration or combine traditions from multiple backgrounds. The term is especially associated with Catholic quinceañeras, but usage can vary between Spanish-speaking countries and communities.