What Spanish word means a celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday?

The Spanish word quinceañera names a girl’s fifteenth-birthday celebration.

The word is also commonly used for the celebrant herself, especially in Spanish-speaking communities. Its spelling includes ñ, and the feminine ending distinguishes it from related masculine forms used in some regional contexts.

The custom is especially associated with Latin America, Spain-related communities, and Hispanic communities in the United States. It can combine family traditions, Catholic practice, formal clothing, music, dancing, and a large reception.

People sometimes use quinceañera only for the party, but usage can refer both to the event and to the young woman being honored. The exact program is not standardized, so ceremonies differ considerably between families and countries.