A Mass often precedes a traditional Catholic quinceañera celebration. The service is commonly known as a quinceañera Mass or a thanksgiving Mass for the young woman’s fifteenth birthday.
During the service, the celebrant may receive a blessing and participate in prayers with family and court members. The reception usually follows, bringing together food, music, dancing, speeches, and symbolic traditions. Practices differ among parishes and countries.
A quinceañera is not itself one of the Catholic Church’s seven sacraments. The Mass is a religious observance associated with the celebration, while the birthday party is a social and cultural event. Families from other Christian traditions, other religions, or no religious tradition may choose different formats.
Because religious requirements vary, families generally work with their local church when planning a service. Some celebrations omit the Mass entirely and retain only the family or community elements.