The Spanish term for the girl celebrating her fifteenth birthday is quinceañera.
The word is formed from quince, meaning “fifteen,” with the feminine ending -añera. In Spanish, it can identify the young woman herself; in English, people also commonly use quinceañera to describe the entire birthday celebration.
A male celebrant may be called a quinceañero, although quinceañera traditions historically centered on girls. The event’s symbolism and practices have changed over time, and contemporary families may adapt the celebration for boys, same-sex couples, or different gender identities.
Several other Spanish terms appear around the event. Damas are female attendants, chambelanes are male attendants in many traditions, and padrinos or madrinas are sponsors or honored adult participants. These roles are related to the celebration but do not name the birthday celebrant.