In quinceañera traditions, the celebrant’s male escort is called a chambelán.
The Spanish word chambelán traditionally means an escort or gentleman attendant in the quinceañera’s court of honor. A chambelán may accompany the quinceañera during her entrance, formal dances, photographs, and other ceremonial moments.
The term is especially associated with Mexican and Mexican-American celebrations, although practices vary throughout Latin America and among families. Some quinceañeras have one principal escort, while others include several male attendants in a choreographed court.
A common mix-up is confusing chambelán with padrino. A padrino is a sponsor or honored supporter, often connected with financing or presenting ceremonial items; he is not necessarily the celebrant’s dance escort. Female attendants are generally called damas.