In a traditional quinceañera, the celebration’s sponsors are called padrinos. The Spanish word is the plural of padrino, meaning a male godfather or sponsor; padrinos can refer collectively to the people who help support the event.
Padrinos may contribute money, services, or important ceremonial items. Depending on the family and region, sponsors can help provide the dress, cake, decorations, music, religious accessories, or venue. Their role connects practical assistance with family and community support.
The custom is related to the wider Latin American practice of choosing godparents or sponsors for major religious and family occasions. Padrinos do not have one identical duty everywhere, however. Responsibilities are arranged by the family, and a modern quinceañera may use sponsors in a less formal way.