“Quince años” is a Spanish term commonly used as another name for a quinceañera celebration.
The phrase literally means “fifteen years,” referring to the milestone traditionally marked by the event. In many Spanish-speaking communities, people use “quinceañera,” “quince años,” or related regional expressions for the celebration and the honoree.
The wording can describe either the birthday milestone or the broader formal event, depending on region and family usage. English-language accounts often retain the Spanish phrase because it identifies the cultural tradition more precisely than simply calling it a birthday party.
The term should not be confused with “quince,” which means fifteen but does not by itself name the celebration. Practices associated with quince años also vary widely by country, family, religion, and community.