What is the traditional Spanish name for the young woman celebrating a quinceañera?

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The young woman celebrating her 15th birthday is traditionally called the quinceañera.

The term comes from Spanish and is feminine, reflecting the traditional form of the celebration. In everyday usage, English speakers also use quinceañera for the party itself, so context determines whether the word means the celebrant or the event.

A quinceañera may be accompanied by a court of honor. The court can include damas, or female attendants, and chambelanes, or male attendants. Participants may wear coordinated formal clothing and join the celebrant in a choreographed entrance or dance.

Not every family follows the same gender roles or ceremonial structure. Modern celebrations may use mixed courts, smaller groups, or no court at all. The core term remains tied to the person reaching the traditional 15-year milestone, while the surrounding customs continue to evolve across countries and communities.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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