The Spanish word for the young woman honored at a traditional quinceañera is quinceañera.
The word is the feminine form associated with quince años, “fifteen years.” In common usage, quinceañera can refer to the celebrant and, depending on context, to the celebration itself. English speakers also use the word as the name of the event.
The honoree is typically turning 15, and the celebration symbolically recognizes a transition from childhood toward young womanhood. This cultural meaning does not create a legal status, and the tradition is not identical across Latin America, Spain, or Latino communities elsewhere.
A quinceañera may be celebrated with a religious service, a formal entrance, a court of honor, a special dance, and a reception. Families can modify or omit any of those elements. The word therefore identifies the central participant and tradition, not one mandatory ceremony.