A quinceañera’s female court attendants are commonly called damas.
Damas usually accompany the celebrant during the formal presentation and choreographed dance. They may be sisters, cousins, friends, or classmates, and their dresses are often selected to coordinate with the quinceañera’s gown. The court’s size and composition depend entirely on the family’s plans.
Damas is the Spanish plural of dama, meaning “lady.” In many celebrations, the damas appear alongside chambelanes, the male attendants. English-language descriptions may simply call both groups the court of honor.
The role is ceremonial rather than legally defined. A quinceañera does not need to have damas, and contemporary celebrations may use a smaller mixed group or no formal court at all. Damas also differ from madrinas, who are adult sponsors or honored women connected with planning, gifts, or financial support.