The female attendants in a traditional quinceañera court are often called damas.
Damas is the Spanish plural of dama, meaning “lady.” These attendants form part of the court that accompanies the quinceañera during entrances, photographs, dances, and other formal portions of the event. A court may include friends, relatives, or both, and its size depends on the family’s plans.
The male attendants are commonly called chambelanes, a term that should not be confused with damas. Some celebrations use a mixed-gender group, a smaller court, or no court at all. Contemporary quinceañeras may also change the names and roles to fit the celebrant’s friends and identity.
Damas are not the same as madrinas. Madrinas are female sponsors or godmothers, while damas are attendants. The terms can appear together at one event because a quinceañera may have both a court and adult sponsors. Their roles are ceremonial rather than legal.