What is the traditional name for the attendants who form a quinceañera’s court of honor?

A quinceañera’s court of honor traditionally consists of damas and chambelanes. Damas are female attendants, while chambelanes are male attendants; together they participate in formal entrances, photographs, and choreographed dances.

The court of honor reflects the celebration’s blend of family ritual and public presentation. Its members may be relatives, close friends, or both. The size and composition are flexible, and modern celebrations may use a mixed-gender group or dispense with a court entirely.

Chambelán is related to the Spanish word for an attendant or chamberlain, while dama means “lady.” English-language descriptions sometimes call the group the “court,” but the Spanish terms remain common in discussions of the tradition.

The court is not a bridal party, although the visual resemblance can cause confusion. A quinceañera may include formal gowns, suits, coordinated colors, and a choreographed dance without being a wedding or engagement ceremony.