What Spanish name is commonly given to the religious thanksgiving service in a quinceañera?

The religious thanksgiving service in a traditional quinceañera is called a misa de acción de gracias.

The phrase translates as “Mass of thanksgiving.” In Catholic families, this service may take place before the reception and gives the celebrant an opportunity to express gratitude for her life and family. A priest may offer a blessing, and relatives or sponsors may take part in the liturgy.

The service is not identical in every celebration. Some families hold it in a church, while others choose a nonreligious ceremony or only a reception. The quinceañera tradition has spread beyond Catholic communities, so religious observance varies widely.

The thanksgiving Mass should not be confused with a baptism, wedding, or confirmation. Those are separate Catholic rites. A quinceañera service is a customary blessing or thanksgiving observance connected with the fifteenth-birthday celebration.