In a quinceañera’s court of honor, dama commonly means a female attendant.
Dama is the Spanish word for lady, and quinceañera traditions use it for one of the young women accompanying the celebrant. Several damas may join chambelanes in the court of honor, which participates in formal entrances, dances, photographs, and other programmed parts of the event.
The number of damas is not universal. Families choose the size of the court according to local custom, budget, venue, and the celebrant’s relationships. Some modern celebrations use a smaller group, a gender-inclusive group, or no formal court at all.
Dama should not be confused with madrina. A madrina is a female sponsor or honored adult, often associated with helping provide a ceremonial item or service. The two roles can overlap socially but do not mean the same thing.