In quinceañera traditions, the female attendants in the court are commonly called damas. The Spanish word means “ladies,” and these attendants may join the honoree in the formal entrance, choreographed dances, and other ceremonial parts of the celebration.
A court may also include male attendants, commonly called chambelanes. Together, the attendants help create the presentation associated with a formal quinceañera, although families may adapt the arrangement to fit their own circumstances.
Damas are not the same as madrinas. Madrinas are usually adult sponsors or family friends who may help provide items or services for the event. The terms can appear together in planning discussions, but they refer to different roles.
Usage varies across Spanish-speaking communities. Some families use English descriptions such as “bridesmaids” or “court members,” while others retain the traditional Spanish vocabulary.