The formal Spanish name for the honored girl’s ceremonial court at a quinceañera is corte de honor.
The corte de honor, or “court of honor,” is traditionally made up of attendants chosen by the quinceañera. Depending on the family’s preferences, it may include young women called damas and young men called chambelanes. The attendants often coordinate their clothing and participate in the entrance, dances, and formal photographs.
The court reflects older presentation traditions in which the celebrant appeared before family and community with an organized group. Modern celebrations vary considerably: some quinceañeras have a large court, some have only a few attendants, and others skip the court entirely.
Corte de honor should not be confused with the family’s head table or with the quinceañera herself. It names the group accompanying her during the ceremonial parts of the event.