What is the Spanish term for a quinceañera’s fifteenth birthday celebration?

The Spanish term for a girl’s fifteenth birthday celebration is quinceañera.

The term can refer both to the celebrant and to the event itself, depending on context. In English-language writing, “quinceañera” commonly means the celebration, while “quinceañera” can also identify the young woman whose birthday is being marked.

The name is built around quince, the Spanish word for fifteen. The celebration’s central idea is a public transition from childhood, although modern families interpret that transition in many different ways. Some emphasize faith, others family, cultural identity, dancing, fashion, or community.

Spelling varies in informal English. The ñ is part of standard Spanish spelling, and the accent mark in quinceañera indicates the stressed syllable. “Quince” is also widely used as a shortened English name for the celebration, especially in the United States.