The Spanish term for the girls who accompany a quinceañera in her ceremonial court is damas.
Damas means “ladies” in Spanish and traditionally describes the female members of the quinceañera’s court. They may participate in an entrance procession, formal dances, photographs, and other parts of the event. The court often represents the celebrant’s close friends, relatives, or peers.
The boys in the court are commonly called chambelanes, so the two terms describe different roles. A family may choose an all-female court, a mixed court, or no court at all. Contemporary celebrations frequently adapt the traditional arrangement to suit the celebrant.
Damas should also be distinguished from madrinas. Madrinas are female sponsors or honored adult helpers, often paired with padrinos. Terminology and responsibilities can differ by country, parish, and family, but damas specifically identifies the young women or girls serving in the court.