What is a dama quinceanera?

A Quinceanera is a traditional Latin American celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday, which marks her transition from childhood to young womanhood. The celebration is typically a formal event, with the young woman wearing a special dress, often in pastel or bright colors, and accompanied by her parents and close family members. The celebration can include a religious ceremony, a reception with food and dancing, and other cultural customs. The term "dama" refers to the young woman's court of honor, a group of young friends and relatives who participate in the celebration and often wear matching or coordinated dresses. The Quinceanera marks an important milestone in a young woman's life and is often seen as a rite of passage in Latin American culture.