In a quinceañera, the adult sponsors who help support ceremonial elements are commonly called padrinos.
Padrinos is the plural of padrino, a Spanish word meaning “godfather” or “sponsor”; padrinas may also be included. In quinceañera practice, sponsors can help provide or pay for items such as the dress, cake, music, flowers, Bible, or other parts of the celebration.
The responsibilities are not fixed everywhere. Some families use padrinos for specific gifts, while others rely mainly on parents and close relatives. The role may be religious, financial, social, or a combination of these.
Padrinos should not be confused with the young people in the court. Damas and chambelanes generally participate as attendants, while padrinos are usually adult supporters or sponsors. Local terminology and customs can vary considerably.