The Spanish name commonly used for the celebration honoring a girl’s fifteenth birthday is quinceañera. The same word can also describe the young woman whose milestone is being celebrated.
The term comes from quince, meaning fifteen, and the feminine form associated with a girl or young woman. In different communities, people also use quince años, fiesta de quince años, or simply quince to describe the event. English-language usage often keeps the Spanish spelling and the ñ.
A quinceañera usually involves more than a meal or ordinary birthday party. Formal clothing, a special entrance, family rituals, dancing, photographs, and a large reception are common, although no single program is universal. A Catholic family may include a Misa de acción de gracias, or thanksgiving Mass, but religious participation varies.
The name should not be confused with quince, the fruit, even though both words are related to the Spanish word for fifteen in the celebration’s name. Regional vocabulary can also differ, so families may choose the term that best fits their community.