The Spanish name for the girl or young woman celebrated at the event is quinceañera. In ordinary usage, the word can refer both to the celebrant and, by extension, to the celebration itself.
The term is derived from quince, the Spanish word for fifteen. The ending indicates a feminine noun, so quinceañera literally identifies a female associated with her fifteenth year. The male counterpart is quinceañero.
The celebrant is usually the central figure throughout the ceremony and reception. She may enter with family or attendants, participate in a presentation, receive symbolic gifts, and take part in specially choreographed dances.
Terminology varies across regions and families. Quince años is another widely used name for the celebration, while quinceañera most directly identifies the young woman. Dama, by contrast, usually refers to a female member of the celebrant’s court, not to the celebrant herself.