The Spanish word años means “years” in the term quinceañera.
The word años is the plural of año, meaning year. Together with quince, meaning fifteen, it connects the celebration to a person’s fifteenth year of life. The ñ is important: años means years, while anos without the tilde is a different Spanish word.
In ordinary Spanish, quinceañera commonly refers to the girl or young woman celebrating her fifteenth birthday and, by extension, to the celebration itself. English usage often uses the same word for the event. Regional vocabulary can vary, including quince, fiesta de quince años, and quinceañero for related meanings.
The term does not by itself specify every ritual associated with the celebration. Religious services, courts, dances, gifts, and formal clothing are customs that differ among families and communities.