The female celebrant at the center of a quinceañera celebration is called the quinceañera.
In Spanish usage, quinceañera is the feminine form associated with a girl who reaches age fifteen. In English, the same word is also widely used for the party itself, so context determines whether it means the young woman or the event. The word comes from quince, meaning fifteen, and the suffix -añera, which relates to years or age.
The celebrant may participate in a formal ceremony, wear a special dress, and be accompanied by relatives or members of a court of honor. These details vary by region, religion, and family preference rather than following one universal rule.
A madrina is generally a sponsor or godmother, while a dama may be one of the female attendants. A chambelán is traditionally a male attendant or escort. Neither term names the principal celebrant.