What is the quinceañera’s special Catholic thanksgiving Mass commonly called?

The quinceañera’s special Catholic thanksgiving Mass is commonly called a Misa de acción de gracias.

The Spanish phrase means “Mass of thanksgiving.” In families that include a religious ceremony, the quinceañera and her relatives may attend the service before the reception. The Mass gives the celebration a religious dimension, with prayers of gratitude and a request for guidance as the honoree enters a new stage of life.

This Mass is not required for every quinceañera. The celebration is practiced by people with different religious backgrounds, and many families choose a civil or entirely secular program. Even within Catholic communities, the order of the Mass, the readings, and the accompanying customs can vary.

The thanksgiving Mass should not be confused with the reception itself. The reception is the social celebration, while the Misa de acción de gracias is the worship service that may precede it.