The Spanish name for a girl celebrating her 15th birthday in a traditional coming-of-age ceremony is quinceañera.
The word comes from quince, meaning “fifteen,” and the feminine ending -añera. It describes both the celebrant and, in common English usage, the celebration itself. The masculine form for a boy is quinceañero, although the feminine tradition is much more widely recognized.
A quinceañera commonly includes a formal dress, a court of honor, music, dancing, family members, and a birthday reception. In many communities, the day may also include a Catholic Mass called a misa de acción de gracias, or thanksgiving Mass.
The celebration is especially associated with Latin America, Spain-influenced communities, and Latino families in the United States. Customs vary considerably by country, family, religion, and generation, so no single ceremony is universal. It is best understood as a broad cultural tradition rather than a single standardized ritual.