The formal court accompanying a quinceañera is called the court of honor. It commonly consists of friends or relatives selected by the honoree and family.
The court may include girls called damas and boys called chambelanes, though names and membership vary by region. Members often wear coordinated formal clothing and participate in a choreographed presentation or dance during the reception. Some modern celebrations use a mixed-gender group or omit the court entirely.
The court of honor is sometimes compared with a wedding party because it has a visible ceremonial role, but the two are not the same institution. A quinceañera is a birthday and cultural milestone, not a marriage ceremony. The court’s presence helps frame the event as a public celebration supported by the honoree’s family and friends.