What Spanish term names the thanksgiving Mass traditionally associated with a quinceañera?

The thanksgiving Mass traditionally associated with a quinceañera is called a misa de acción de gracias.

The Spanish phrase literally means “Mass of thanksgiving.” In Catholic families, it describes a religious service held to give thanks for the celebrant’s life and to ask for guidance as she enters a new stage. The Mass may take place before the reception, although customs differ by country, family, and denomination.

A quinceañera is not itself a sacrament, and the Mass is not required for every celebration. Some families hold a secular ceremony, while others combine a church service with a large reception. This distinction matters because quinceañera traditions are practiced by people with varied religious backgrounds.

The service is sometimes confused with a wedding ceremony because both can involve formal clothing, attendants, music, and a procession. A quinceañera, however, celebrates a fifteenth birthday and a transition in social responsibility; it does not create a marriage.