What is the traditional Spanish name for the adult sponsors who support a quinceañera?

The adult sponsors who support a quinceañera are traditionally called padrinos and madrinas.

Padrino means godfather or male sponsor, while madrina means godmother or female sponsor. In quinceañera planning, these sponsors may help pay for parts of the celebration, provide ceremonial items, or offer guidance and support.

The words come from the same Spanish family as padrino and madrina in religious contexts. Their exact responsibilities are not identical everywhere: some families involve several sponsors, and others use the terms for relatives or family friends who contribute specific gifts.

Padrinos and madrinas are different from damas and chambelanes. The latter are usually young attendants in the court, while sponsors are generally adults or respected supporters. A family may include either group, both groups, or neither, depending on its customs and resources.