Damas is the Spanish term commonly used for the young women in a quinceañera’s court of honor.
The damas may be close friends, sisters, cousins, or classmates. They often wear coordinated dresses and join the quinceañera for the entrance, formal waltz, photographs, and other ceremonial parts of the celebration.
A court can also include male attendants called chambelanes. Some quinceañeras choose an all-female court, an all-male group, a mixed court, or no court at all. These choices reflect changing family customs and personal preferences.
Damas should not be confused with madrinas. Madrinas are usually adult sponsors or godmothers who may contribute specific goods or services. The words describe different roles even when the same person helps with the celebration.