In quinceañera terminology, what does “damas” usually refer to?

In quinceañera terminology, “damas” usually refers to female court attendants.

Damas are members of the corte de honor, the group that accompanies the quinceañera in formal parts of the celebration. They may take part in the entrance, posed photographs, choreographed dances, and other planned moments.

The Spanish word dama means “lady,” and damas is its plural. Their clothing is often coordinated with the event’s colors or with the outfits of the chambelanes, although styling choices vary considerably.

Damas are not the same as madrinas, who are female sponsors or honored supporters in some celebrations. They are also not simply all female guests. The term indicates a ceremonial court role, and families may choose different combinations of damas and chambelanes—or no court at all.