Damas is the usual Spanish plural for the young women in a quinceañera’s court.
A court of honor may include the celebrant’s friends or relatives. The female attendants are called damas, while male attendants are commonly called chambelanes. Together, they may participate in a formal entrance, choreographed presentation, or dance during the reception.
The size and composition of a court are not fixed worldwide. Some celebrations have a large court, some use only a few attendants, and others omit the court entirely. Families also adapt terminology according to country, community, and language.
Damas should not be confused with madrinas. Madrinas are adult sponsors or trusted participants associated with particular responsibilities, although sponsorship customs also vary. The word dama simply identifies a female member of the court in the common terminology used for quinceañera celebrations.