Chambelanes is the Spanish term commonly used for the male attendants in a traditional quinceañera court.
The chambelanes accompany the quinceañera during formal portions of the celebration and may participate in choreographed dances. In English-language descriptions, they are often compared with escorts or members of a court of honor. The group may also include a principal escort, although titles and roles differ between communities.
The court reflects older European and Latin American presentation customs, but modern families frequently adapt it. Some celebrations use a mixed-gender court, a smaller group, relatives, close friends, or no court at all. Therefore, chambelanes describes a common role rather than a compulsory part of every quinceañera.
The spelling and pronunciation can vary in informal English usage, but chambelanes is the standard plural form for male attendants. The related feminine term is damas, while padrinos means godparents or sponsors rather than attendants.