The traditional Spanish name for a quinceañera’s male sponsor is padrino.
A padrino is a godfather or sponsor who may help the family organize or finance parts of the celebration. The feminine form is madrina. Padrinos and madrinas can also present symbolic gifts, support the religious service, or take part in formal acknowledgments during the event.
A padrino should not automatically be confused with a chambelán. A chambelán is a male attendant or court member, often selected to dance with the celebrant. One person may fill both roles, but the words describe different functions. The quinceañera’s parents remain central family figures even when sponsors contribute money or ceremonial gifts.
Sponsor customs differ across communities. Some families choose relatives, godparents, or close family friends; others do not appoint sponsors at all. The terminology comes from Catholic and broader Latin American social traditions, but modern quinceañeras may adapt the roles to fit secular or nontraditional celebrations.