In a quinceañera, what does the Spanish word “damas” usually describe?

In a quinceañera, damas usually describes the female attendants in the honoree’s court.

Damas is the plural of dama, meaning “lady” or “young woman” in this context. These attendants may join the quinceañera for formal entrances, portraits, ceremonies, and planned performances. Their clothing is often coordinated with the event’s colors or theme.

The male members of the court are commonly called chambelanes. Together, damas and chambelanes may form the corte de honor, or court of honor. The vocabulary and arrangements differ by country, and some modern celebrations use mixed groups or omit a formal court.

Damas should not be confused with padrinos, who are usually sponsors or adult supporters. Nor does the word refer to the candles used in a separate symbolic ceremony. It identifies people accompanying the celebrant.