What Spanish word commonly names the person honored at a quinceañera?

The Spanish word quinceañera commonly names the person honored at the celebration.

In everyday usage, quinceañera can refer both to the celebrant and to the birthday celebration itself. The feminine ending reflects the traditional focus on a girl reaching 15, while quinceañero may be used for a boy’s comparable celebration in some communities.

The term is formed from quince, “fifteen,” and añera, a feminine form connected with years. English-language writing often keeps the Spanish spelling, including the ñ, because the accent and tilde distinguish the original word’s pronunciation.

A quinceañera is not identical everywhere. Some families emphasize a Catholic mass, while others hold a civil ceremony, a banquet, or a modern party without a religious component.