In a quinceañera, what Spanish term names the group of attendants who accompany the celebrant?

The story behind the answer

The attendants accompanying a quinceañera are traditionally called the corte de honor.

The Spanish phrase translates roughly as “court of honor.” Its members may include young women called damas and young men called chambelanes, although the exact composition depends on the family and local custom. They usually stand with the celebrant during formal portions of the event and may participate in a choreographed dance.

The court is a ceremonial group, not a legal or governmental court. Its size is not fixed: some celebrations use several attendants, while others have only a few or none. Contemporary families may also choose an all-female, all-male, mixed, or gender-inclusive group.

The court is often introduced at the reception after the religious service, if there is one. It should not be confused with the padrinos, who are sponsors or financial supporters rather than the celebrant’s regular attendants.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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