Magdalena is the central teenage character preparing for a quinceañera in the 2006 film Quinceañera.
The plot follows her family’s plans for the celebration and the difficulties that arise around her pregnancy, religious family, and changing relationships. The quinceañera becomes the event around which the film’s conflicts and emotional developments are organized.
The character is played by Emily Rios. Her performance helped make the film a character-driven coming-of-age story rather than a simple depiction of party customs.
Magdalena should not be confused with Carlos, her cousin, or with the real-life people associated with the film’s directors. The title identifies the tradition, while Magdalena identifies the story’s principal young protagonist.