In a traditional quinceañera, the girl’s male attendants are called chambelanes.
The word comes from Spanish and is commonly used for the young men who accompany the quinceañera during the formal celebration. They may participate in a choreographed entrance, a ceremonial waltz, or other dances prepared for the event. In some families, relatives or close friends fill these roles; in others, the group is made up of classmates or siblings.
Chambelanes are often confused with padrinos, but the terms describe different roles. Padrinos are usually sponsors or benefactors who help provide items or services for the celebration, while chambelanes are members of the ceremonial court. The female attendants are generally called damas.
Terminology varies across Latin America and among Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. Some families use English terms such as escorts or court members instead of chambelanes, but the Spanish word remains one of the best-known labels associated with the tradition.