What title is commonly given to the young woman honored at a quinceañera?

Quinceañera is the title commonly given to the young woman honored at the celebration.

The word can refer to the honoree herself as well as, more broadly, to the event. In Spanish, the feminine ending identifies a female person, and the term is connected with quince, meaning fifteen. English usage frequently treats quinceañera as the name of the party, so context determines whether it means the girl or the celebration.

The honoree is usually presented formally at the reception and may participate in a religious service, a choreographed dance, a candle ritual, and ceremonial speeches. These elements are customary in some communities but not mandatory everywhere.

Quinceañera should not be confused with madrina, which commonly means a female sponsor or godmother, or dama, which can describe a female attendant. Those people may support the celebration, but they are not the central honoree.