What Spanish term names the girl who is honored at a quinceañera?

The Spanish term quinceañera names the girl honored at a quinceañera celebration. In everyday English, the same word also commonly describes the birthday event.

The term is derived from quince, meaning fifteen, and the feminine ending -añera associated with the person reaching that milestone. Spanish-speaking communities may use quinceañera for the celebrant and fiesta de quince años or quinceañera for the celebration, depending on local usage.

The honoree is often presented formally to family and guests during the reception. She may wear a formal dress, participate in a choreographed dance, and be accompanied by a court of honor. These practices are customary rather than universal, and families frequently adapt them.

A madrina is generally a sponsor or ceremonial godmother, while a dama is a female member of the court. A chambelán is traditionally a male escort. Those terms therefore describe participants or roles around the honoree, not the honoree herself.