In a quinceañera, what term traditionally describes the adult sponsors who help support the celebration?

The traditional terms for adult sponsors who help support a quinceañera are padrinos and madrinas.

Padrinos are male sponsors and madrinas are female sponsors. They may contribute money, purchase ceremonial items, or provide practical support for the event. Their participation reflects the importance of extended family, godparents, and trusted family friends in many Latin American communities.

The words are related to padrino and madrina, terms also used for godparents and other sponsors in Spanish-speaking Catholic contexts. Their exact duties at a quinceañera are not identical everywhere. One celebration may have several sponsors for different items, while another may have none.

Padrinos and madrinas are distinct from the court of honor. Damas and chambelanes are usually young attendants who accompany the celebrant, whereas sponsors are adults or other designated supporters who help make the celebration possible.