Quinceañera is the Spanish word for both the 15-year-old celebrant and her traditional birthday celebration.
The term comes from quince, meaning “fifteen,” combined with a feminine form related to “year.” In English-language usage, quinceañera commonly describes the event itself, while quinceañera or quinceañero can identify the young person being honored, depending on gender and regional usage.
The celebration’s vocabulary is broader than this one word. A damas group traditionally consists of girls or young women in the celebrant’s court, while chambelanes are boys or young men who may accompany the court. A madrina or padrino may be a sponsor or important adult involved in the celebration.
Spelling and pronunciation can vary in informal English, but the Spanish form is written with the ñ and an accent mark on the final á. Regional customs also differ, so the word does not guarantee that every event includes the same religious service, clothing, dances, or rituals.