In a traditional quinceañera, what is the honoree’s formal group of attendants called?

In a traditional quinceañera, the honoree’s formal group of attendants is called the court of honor.

The court usually consists of young relatives or friends selected by the quinceañera. Its members may participate in the entrance, formal photographs, choreographed dances, and other ceremonial parts of the event. The group gives the celebration a staged, processional character.

Members are often described by Spanish gendered titles: damas are traditionally young women, while chambelanes are traditionally young men. Some modern celebrations use mixed or nontraditional groups, and families may choose a smaller court or omit it altogether.

The court of honor is not the same thing as a wedding party, even though the two can look similar in photographs. A quinceañera is a coming-of-age celebration, not a marriage ceremony, and the attendants’ role is tied to the birthday ritual and its presentation.