A quinceañera is a traditional Latin American celebration that marks a girl's transition from childhood to womanhood on her 15th birthday. The event typically includes a religious ceremony, often a Catholic Mass, followed by a festive reception with family and friends. It features cultural elements such as music, dance, and a formal dress, usually resembling a wedding gown. The quinceañera symbolizes a significant rite of passage and is an important cultural milestone in many Latin American communities.