The celebration of Quinceañera, also known as the Quince and meaning "fifteen years" in Spanish, marks a girl's fifteenth birthday. Quinceañeras are celebrated in many Latin American countries, as well as by families of Latino origin in the United States.

Quinceañeras are celebrated in many different ways, but there are a few traditions which appear consistently. First, the girl, her family, godparents and friends attend a mass called the "misa de acción de gracias," or the mass of thanksgiving, in which a candle is lighted to symbolize the girl's affirmation of the baptismal vows her parents made fifteen years ago. A symbol of faith, such as a cross, bible or rosary is often given to the girl by her godparents at the end of the mass as well.

Following the mass the party moves to a reception where there is food and dancing. Presents are also given, each having a symbolic meaning, such as earrings as a reminder to listen to God's word, or a bracelet or ring to symbolize the circular nature of life and change.