At a quinceañera, chambelán commonly refers to the honoree’s male escort or a male member of her court.
The word is used especially in Mexican and Mexican American contexts, although regional vocabulary varies. A chambelán may accompany the honoree during her entrance, participate in the formal waltz, and appear in the choreographed court presentation. Some celebrations have one principal escort, while others have several male court members.
The female members of a court are often called damas. Together, the group may be known in English as the court of honor. There is no universal requirement for a court, and modern celebrations may use mixed groups of friends or no formal court at all.
A chambelán is not the same as a padrino. A padrino is generally a sponsor or benefactor who helps provide ceremonial items or expenses, while a chambelán has a participatory escort role.