In quinceañera customs, the adult sponsors who help support the celebration are commonly called padrinos.
Padrinos is the plural of padrino, meaning “godfather” or “sponsor.” In many quinceañera traditions, padrinos are trusted relatives, family friends, or godparents who contribute money, ceremonial items, advice, or practical assistance. Their exact duties differ between families and regions.
A quinceañera may have several padrinos, with different sponsors associated with items such as the dress, cake, music, or religious articles. This sponsorship reflects the broader importance of extended family and community support in the celebration.
Padrinos should not be confused with damas or chambelanes, who are attendants in the court. Madrinas is the feminine plural for female sponsors, while padrinos can refer to a group of male sponsors or to sponsors collectively in common usage.