A girl celebrating her fifteenth birthday in this tradition is called a quinceañera.
The word refers both to the celebrant and, commonly, to the celebration itself. In Spanish, the feminine ending identifies the girl or young woman; a boy’s comparable celebration is often called a quinceañero, although terminology and usage vary across communities.
The event developed from older coming-of-age practices and later became strongly shaped by Catholic and Spanish colonial customs. Modern quinceañeras may include religious elements, formal dances, family speeches, themed decorations, and a large meal or reception.
The title does not describe every fifteen-year-old girl. It specifically identifies a participant in this cultural rite or celebration. It is also distinct from quince, a shorter everyday term that can refer to the party in some Spanish-speaking communities.