What Spanish word supplies the “quince” in quinceañera?

The Spanish word quince, meaning “fifteen,” supplies the “quince” in quinceañera.

The word quinceañera is related to the age at the center of the tradition. In Spanish, quince means 15, while años means years; together, quince años means “fifteen years.” The feminine ending refers to the girl or young woman being honored.

English-language usage often treats quinceañera as the name of the celebration itself, although it can also refer to the honoree. Spanish-speaking families may use fiesta de quince años for the party and quinceañera for the girl.

The spelling includes ñ, the Spanish letter eñe. English sources sometimes omit the tilde in informal writing, but quinceañera is the standard Spanish spelling.