The young women in a quinceañera court are traditionally called damas.
Dama means “lady” in Spanish, and damas is its plural form. The damas accompany the quinceañera during the formal entrance, photographs, and choreographed dances. Their dresses are often coordinated with one another and with the celebration’s color scheme.
In the classic court structure, seven damas are paired with seven male attendants, known as chambelanes. Together, the 14 attendants symbolically accompany the celebrant at age 15. Modern families may use fewer attendants, choose friends of any gender, or skip the court completely.
Damas should not be confused with madrinas. Madrinas are female sponsors or adult supporters, while damas are typically members of the young person’s court. Regional vocabulary differs, but damas is the widely recognized traditional term.