What Spanish phrase is commonly used for a quinceañera’s formal thanksgiving Mass?

A quinceañera’s formal thanksgiving Mass is commonly called a misa de acción de gracias.

The phrase translates literally as “Mass of thanksgiving.” In Catholic families, this service may precede the reception and provides a religious setting for prayers, blessings, and thanks for the honoree’s life and transition toward adulthood.

The celebration’s religious form is especially associated with Catholic communities in Mexico, Latin America, the United States, and elsewhere. Customs differ, however, and many families hold a nonreligious ceremony or a reception without a Mass.

The phrase is more precise than simply calling the service a birthday Mass. A quinceañera can include religious observance, a secular celebration, or both, depending on the family’s beliefs and local tradition.