In the quinceañera tradition, madrina is the Spanish term for the celebrant’s godmother or female sponsor.
A madrina may be a relative, family friend, or another trusted adult who supports the celebration. Depending on the family, sponsors may help provide ceremonial items, contribute financially, offer advice, or participate in a religious service. The exact responsibilities are not standardized.
The related word padrino means godfather or male sponsor. Together, madrinas and padrinos can be sponsors for particular items or parts of the ceremony, rather than a single pair with identical duties in every celebration.
Madrina should not be confused with dama, which generally refers to a female attendant in the court of honor. Nor is it another name for the quinceañera. Terminology changes across Spanish-speaking regions, so families may use the word differently.