In the traditional 14-pair court of a quinceañera, 14 girls are called damas. They are paired with 14 boys, usually called chambelanes, while the quinceañera completes the symbolic group of fifteen.
The number represents the celebrant’s fifteen years. The court’s members may correspond symbolically to the years of her life before the fifteenth birthday, while she stands as the central fifteenth member. The arrangement also creates a large group for the formal entrance and waltz.
This 14-pair structure is traditional rather than mandatory. Contemporary families may choose a smaller court, an all-female or all-male group, a mixed group without fixed numbers, or no attendants. Costs, venue size, cultural background, and the celebrant’s preferences all affect the final arrangement.
Damas should not be confused with madrinas. Damas are attendants in the court, while madrinas are female sponsors or supporters. The exact titles and roles can differ across Spanish-speaking regions and individual celebrations.