The sponsors who help support a quinceañera are commonly called padrinos.
Padrinos is the plural of padrino, a Spanish word meaning godfather or sponsor; madrinas is the corresponding feminine form. In a quinceañera, padrinos may contribute money, clothing, jewelry, decorations, music, food, or other parts of the celebration.
The role reflects wider Latin American systems of ceremonial sponsorship and extended family relationships. Some padrinos are relatives, while others are close family friends. Their responsibilities are defined by the family rather than by one universal ceremony.
Padrinos are different from chambelanes, who are usually attendants or escorts participating in the formal presentation. A padrino may help fund an event without taking part in its dances, and a chambelán may attend without being a sponsor.