In a traditional quinceañera court, the young women accompanying the celebrant are called damas.
Dama means “lady” in Spanish, and damas are members of the court of honor. They commonly participate in the celebrant’s entrance, coordinated presentation, and choreographed dances. Their dresses may match one another or complement the quinceañera’s outfit.
The court traditionally includes both young women and young men. The male participants are commonly called chambelanes, although terminology and the size of the court differ by region and family preference.
Modern quinceañeras are flexible. Some celebrations use a mixed-gender group, a smaller group, no court at all, or friends and relatives of different ages. Damas therefore describes a traditional role rather than a compulsory part of every contemporary celebration.