The people who sponsor or help provide ceremonial items at a quinceañera are commonly called padrinos.
Padrinos is the plural of padrino, a Spanish word meaning godfather or sponsor; madrinas is the corresponding feminine term. In quinceañera customs, sponsors may contribute to expenses or provide items such as the dress, cake, jewelry, religious articles, or other parts of the event.
The practice reflects wider Latin American traditions of assigning respected relatives or family friends a supportive ceremonial role. The exact responsibilities are negotiated by each family and are not identical from one celebration to another.
Padrinos are distinct from the court of honor. Chambelanes and damas are attendants who may participate in dances and formal entrances, whereas padrinos support the event materially or symbolically. A quinceañera may have sponsors, attendants, both, or neither.