What Spanish phrase describes the religious thanksgiving Mass sometimes held before a quinceañera reception?

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The religious thanksgiving Mass sometimes held before a quinceañera reception is called a misa de acción de gracias.

The phrase means “Mass of thanksgiving.” In Catholic families, the service provides an opportunity to give thanks for the quinceañera’s life and to ask for guidance as she enters a new stage. It may include family members, sponsors, attendants, and invited guests.

The Mass is usually separate from the reception, where guests eat, listen to music, and watch traditional presentations or dances. The order of events varies: some families attend church before the party, while others hold only a reception.

Not every quinceañera includes a Catholic Mass. The celebration is practiced by families with different religious beliefs and by secular families, so a religious service is optional rather than a defining requirement.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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