What is the usual English translation of “fiesta de quince años”?

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The usual English translation of “fiesta de quince años” is “fifteenth-birthday party.”

Fiesta means “party” or “celebration,” de means “of,” quince means “fifteen,” and años means “years.” Together, the phrase identifies a celebration marking a girl’s fifteenth birthday, rather than naming a religious rite or a school event.

English speakers commonly use quinceañera as a loanword, especially for celebrations in Mexican American, Central American, South American, and Caribbean communities. The Spanish phrase remains common in many families and Spanish-language sources.

Translations can vary slightly, including “fifteen-years party” in literal renderings, but “fifteenth-birthday party” communicates the meaning naturally in English. The translation should not be confused with a generic birthday party, since the tradition carries particular social and cultural symbolism.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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