In a traditional quinceañera, what is the celebrant’s formal entrance escort often called?

In a traditional quinceañera, the celebrant’s formal entrance escort is often called the chambelán de honor.

The term comes from Spanish court vocabulary: a chambelán was historically a chamberlain or attendant. In quinceañera customs, the honorific identifies the principal male escort in the celebrant’s court, which may also include additional chambelanes and damas.

The escort may participate in the entrance, formal dances, photographs, and other ceremonial moments. Customs differ by family, country, and religious or cultural setting, so some quinceañeras use a full court while others feature only the celebrant and relatives.

A chambelán de honor should not be confused with a padrino. A padrino is generally a sponsor or honored adult who helps provide support, while the chambelán is associated with the ceremonial court and dance.