Male attendants in many quinceañera traditions are commonly called chambelanes. They form part of the celebrant’s corte de honor, or court of honor, and often join her in a choreographed entrance or waltz.
The word is especially familiar in Mexican and Mexican American contexts, although terminology varies across Latin America and the United States. In some communities, male attendants may instead be called escorts or use another regional name. Female attendants are often called damas.
Chambelanes can be friends, cousins, siblings, or other people chosen by the quinceañera and her family. Their clothing may coordinate with the celebrant’s dress, frequently resembling formal suits or tuxedos, but there is no single required costume.
The role is ceremonial rather than an official religious office. It should not be confused with padrinos, who may sponsor or help pay for parts of the celebration. A modern quinceañera may also have a gender-inclusive court or no attendants at all.