The traditional name for a male sponsor who may help provide quinceañera expenses or ceremonial items is padrino.
Padrino means godfather or male sponsor in Spanish. In quinceañera customs, padrinos may contribute toward particular expenses, such as the dress, cake, music, decorations, jewelry, or religious items. A female sponsor is commonly called a madrina, and couples may serve together as padrinos.
The role reflects broader Latin American traditions of having respected relatives, friends, or community members support important religious and family milestones. The arrangement differs widely: some families have several sponsors for separate items, while others pay for the celebration themselves.
Padrino and chambelán are not interchangeable terms. A chambelán is generally a male member of the celebrant’s court, while a padrino is a sponsor or patron. One person can sometimes hold both roles, but the words describe different functions.