What Spanish noun describes the girl honored at a quinceañera?

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The Spanish noun quinceañera describes the girl honored at a quinceañera celebration.

The word is formed from quince, meaning fifteen, with a feminine ending. In common usage, it identifies the young woman reaching the traditional milestone as well as, by extension, the celebration held in her honor.

Spanish-speaking communities use related forms in different situations. Quinceañero can refer to a male celebrant, while quinceañera is the established feminine term. English-language usage often keeps the Spanish word, including its ñ, because no equally concise English label has become standard.

The honoree is usually the focus of the event’s formal entrance, special clothing, dances, speeches, and family rituals. Practices are not identical everywhere: some celebrations are religious, some are secular, and some are much smaller than the elaborate parties associated with the tradition.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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