The male attendants in a traditional quinceañera’s corte de honor are called chambelanes.
Chambelanes are usually friends, relatives, or other young people selected to accompany the celebrant. They may take part in the formal entrance, posed photographs, and rehearsed dances at the reception. In some traditions, one principal escort has a particularly prominent role, while the other chambelanes form part of the larger court.
The word is associated with the Spanish-speaking quinceañera tradition, but practices vary widely across countries and families. A celebration may use a court of only a few people, a large group, or no court at all. Contemporary events can also adapt the roles to include friends without following older gender divisions.
Damas are the traditionally female members of the court. Padrinos, by contrast, are sponsors or godparents who may help provide items or support for the event. These roles can overlap in a family’s plans, but the terms describe different functions.