The traditional Spanish term for the girl being honored is “quinceañera.”
The word is the feminine form associated with quince años, the celebration of fifteen years. In English-language writing, quinceañera is also used as a noun for the party itself, so context determines whether it means the young woman or the event.
A quinceañera may be presented formally to family and guests during the celebration. The occasion often emphasizes the transition from childhood toward a more mature social role, though modern families interpret that idea in many different ways. Some celebrations are strongly religious, while others are primarily cultural or family-centered.
The term should not be confused with the names of people who support the event. A madrina is generally a female sponsor or ceremonial attendant, and a dama is a member of the female court of honor. Those roles are not synonyms for the honoree. A quinceañera can also have a male counterpart or male attendants, depending on local custom.