What Spanish word is commonly used for the female honoree at a quinceañera?

The Spanish word commonly used for the female honoree at a quinceañera is quinceañera.

The term is derived from quince, meaning fifteen, and the feminine ending associated with a girl or young woman. In everyday usage, quinceañera can mean the celebrant, the birthday milestone, or the entire party, depending on context.

The word is related to quince años, a phrase referring to the fifteenth-birthday celebration. English speakers often use quince or quinceañera without translating it, particularly in communities where the tradition is widespread. The ñ is part of the standard Spanish spelling.

A quinceañera is not the same role as a madrina. Madrinas are godmothers or sponsors who may help support the celebration, while the quinceañera is the person being honored. Likewise, dama usually means a female attendant in the court rather than the central celebrant.