The ceremonial sponsor or godparent associated with a quinceañera is often called a padrino.
Padrino is the Spanish word for a male godfather or sponsor; padrina or madrina can identify a female sponsor. In quinceañera customs, padrinos may be relatives or family friends who provide practical, financial, or ceremonial support.
The exact responsibilities are not fixed. Depending on the family and community, sponsors may help pay for attire, music, decorations, or religious expenses, or they may participate symbolically in the ceremony.
A padrino is different from a chambelán. The chambelán is part of the celebrant's court, while the padrino has a sponsor or godparent relationship. Contemporary families may use sponsors in flexible ways or not include them at all.