What Spanish phrase commonly describes a quinceañera’s religious thanksgiving service?

A quinceañera’s religious thanksgiving service is commonly called a misa de acción de gracias. The phrase translates as “Mass of thanksgiving” and describes the Catholic service that may accompany the celebration.

In a traditional Catholic format, the celebrant and her family attend Mass before the reception. The service can include prayers, blessings, readings, and a presentation of the celebrant to the congregation.

Not every quinceañera includes a Catholic service. Families may be non-Catholic, nonreligious, or living in places where the celebration is organized as a cultural party rather than a religious observance. The thanksgiving Mass is therefore a common tradition, not a universal requirement.