In a traditional quinceañera, the adult female sponsor is commonly called a madrina.
Madrina is the Spanish word for godmother or female sponsor. At a quinceañera, a madrina may help pay for or provide an important part of the celebration, such as the dress, cake, flowers, or religious items, depending on family custom.
The male equivalent is padrino. A madrina or padrino may be a relative, family friend, or another trusted adult. These sponsors are distinct from the damas and chambelanes, who generally form the young ceremonial court.
The responsibilities attached to the title are not identical everywhere. Some families name several padrinos and madrinas for different expenses, while others do not use sponsors at all. The title is therefore best understood as a common role, not a mandatory office.