What Spanish word means the fifteen-year-old girl honored at a quinceañera?

The Spanish word quinceañera identifies the fifteen-year-old girl honored at the celebration.

The term is also commonly used for the entire event, especially in English-language discussions. In Spanish, context can distinguish the honoree from the party itself. The masculine form, quinceañero, can refer to a boy celebrating a fifteenth birthday.

A quinceañera is usually presented as a major family milestone. Relatives and friends may participate as members of a court, sponsors may help pay for ceremonial items, and the honoree may wear a formal dress and take part in planned dances.

Spelling matters because the ñ is part of the Spanish word’s pronunciation and identity. English-language sources often write quinceanera without the accent mark, but quinceañera is the standard Spanish spelling.