The Spanish name for sponsors or godparents who may help support a quinceañera is padrinos.
Padrinos is the plural of padrino, a word meaning godfather or sponsor; padrina or madrina may be used for a female sponsor. In quinceañera customs, padrinos may contribute money, services, or symbolic items for the celebration. Their exact role depends on the family and local tradition.
Padrinos are different from the court. Damas and chambelanes are attendants who may participate in dances, while padrinos are sponsors or honored supporters. One person can sometimes occupy more than one social role, but the terms do not mean the same thing.
The tradition reflects the importance of extended family, friendship, and community support. Modern celebrations may have several padrinos, a single sponsoring couple, or none at all. Financial arrangements are not standardized, so claims that every quinceañera must have a fixed number of padrinos are inaccurate.