In quinceañera traditions, what is the honoree’s formal court of attendants called?

The honoree’s formal group of attendants at a quinceañera is called the court of honor.

A court of honor traditionally consists of friends or relatives selected to accompany the quinceañera during important parts of the celebration. Members may participate in a coordinated entrance, formal dances, photographs, and other presentation rituals.

The court can be made up of young women, young men, or a mixed group, depending on the family’s preferences. Regional vocabulary also varies: some celebrations use Spanish terms such as damas and chambelanes for particular court roles.

A court of honor is not the same thing as a wedding party, even though the two groups may look similar in photographs. Its purpose is to support and honor the birthday celebrant. Contemporary quinceañeras often reduce the court, replace it with close friends, or omit it entirely.