The young women in a quinceañera’s court of honor are commonly called damas.
The Spanish word dama means “lady,” and its plural form is used for female attendants in the corte de honor. Damas may participate in the honoree’s entrance, formal presentation, photographs, and choreographed dances. Their outfits are often coordinated with one another or with the quinceañera’s color scheme, though clothing customs vary considerably.
Damas are traditionally paired or grouped with chambelanes, the male attendants. A court can therefore include both damas and chambelanes, but a family may choose a smaller group, a mixed-gender group, or no formal court. Contemporary celebrations frequently personalize these roles.
Damas should not be confused with madrinas. Madrinas are female sponsors or honored adult participants, while damas are generally young members of the court. The terms describe different roles within the broader celebration.