The Spanish word for the girl celebrating her 15th birthday is quinceañera. The same word is also widely used for the celebration itself, so its meaning depends on context.
The term comes from quince, meaning fifteen, with a feminine ending. A male celebrant may be called a quinceañero, although terminology and the popularity of male quince años celebrations vary among communities. The phrase quince años is also commonly used for the event.
A quinceañera usually involves more than a birthday meal. Depending on family practice, it may include a religious service, formal dress, a court of attendants, a ceremonial entrance, symbolic gifts, and a waltz. These features developed through different cultural influences and are not identical in every country.
The word should not be confused with titles for other participants. A madrina is a female sponsor or godmother, a dama is commonly a female court member, and a chambelán is commonly a male attendant. The quinceañera is the central celebrant whose milestone the event honors.