In a quinceañera, what name is commonly given to the female members of the honoree’s court?

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Female members of a quinceañera’s court are commonly called damas.

Damas is the Spanish plural of dama, meaning ladies. They traditionally accompany the honoree during formal portions of the celebration, especially the entrance, presentation, and choreographed dance. Their clothing may coordinate with the quinceañera’s dress without being identical.

The court may also include male attendants called chambelanes, although terminology and the size of the court vary by region and family. Some modern celebrations use mixed-gender groups or omit a formal court entirely.

Damas should not be confused with madrinas. Madrinas are female sponsors or honorary adult supporters, often relatives or family friends, and their role is different from that of teenage attendants. The vocabulary can shift between Spanish-speaking countries and English-speaking communities, so local usage may include additional titles.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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