Chambelán is a traditional Spanish term for a male court-of-honor attendant at a quinceañera.
The word is especially common in Mexican and other Latin American contexts, although regional terms such as escort or acompañante may also be used. A chambelán may accompany the quinceañera during her entrance, formal dances, photographs, and choreographed presentation.
The role is ceremonial rather than automatically religious. A chambelán can be a relative, friend, classmate, or another trusted person chosen by the family and celebrant. Some celebrations name a principal escort, while others have a group of attendants with similar responsibilities.
Chambelán is distinct from padrino, which generally refers to a sponsor or godparent role. It is also distinct from dama, a term traditionally used for a female member of the court. Spellings and pronunciation may vary slightly in English-language usage.