What is the traditional formal religious service sometimes held for a Catholic quinceañera?

The traditional formal religious service sometimes held for a Catholic quinceañera is a Misa de Acción de Gracias, or Mass of Thanksgiving.

This service gives the family an opportunity to express gratitude for the honoree’s life and to seek blessings for her future. It may take place in a church before the reception. The service is not the same as a wedding Mass, and a quinceañera does not itself constitute a sacrament.

The exact ceremony varies among parishes and families. Some celebrations include a Catholic Mass, while others are secular or use a different religious format. Local clergy may determine which readings, blessings, participation, and preparation are appropriate.

A frequent misconception is that every quinceañera must include this Mass. The tradition is strongly associated with Catholic communities, but the broader quinceañera custom is cultural and is practiced by families with different religious backgrounds or no religious affiliation.