In a traditional quinceañera court, the male attendants accompanying the celebrant are called chambelanes.
The word comes from Spanish chambelán, meaning chamberlain or attendant. In quinceañera usage, chambelanes usually form part of the ceremonial court and may participate in choreographed dances during the reception. Depending on the family and region, the court may include several young men alongside female attendants.
Chambelanes are sometimes confused with padrinos. Padrinos are sponsors or godparents who may help provide items or services for the celebration; they are not necessarily members of the dance court. The female members of the court are commonly called damas.
Court customs are not universal. Some families include a large court, while others have only a few attendants or no formal court at all. The term is especially useful when reading descriptions of Mexican and Mexican-American quinceañeras, where the court is often part of the public ceremony and reception.