The Spanish noun quinceañera names the girl or young woman being honored at the celebration.
The term is feminine and is formed from quince, “fifteen,” with a suffix associated with a female person. In English-language discussions, quinceañera can refer either to the celebrant or, more broadly, to the entire birthday celebration.
The event is sometimes described as a Latin American equivalent of a debut or coming-of-age party, but that comparison is imperfect. Its meaning depends on local customs and family practice, and many contemporary celebrations combine religious, cultural, and purely social elements.
Quinceañera should not be confused with dama, the Spanish word often used for a female member of the court, or madrina, a female sponsor or godparent. Those terms identify participants other than the honoree.