Madrina is the Spanish word for the sponsor or godmother role often associated with a quinceañera.
A madrina may be a relative, family friend, or other trusted adult who supports the celebrant and family. Depending on the celebration, madrinas and padrinos may help provide symbolic items, clothing, flowers, the cake, or other expenses. Their exact responsibilities are determined by local custom and family agreement.
Madrina is different from dama, which commonly identifies a young female attendant in the court of honor. It is also different from chambelán, the term often used for a male court member. These roles can appear at the same event but do not describe the same relationship to the celebrant.
The sponsor tradition reflects the broader importance of family networks and community participation in a quinceañera. Not every family appoints madrinas or padrinos, and the practice can be adapted in secular celebrations as well as religious ones.