The Spanish term commonly used for a quinceañera’s male escort or court attendant is chambelán.
A chambelán may accompany the honoree during the entrance, ceremonial dances, photographs, and reception activities. In a larger court, several chambelanes appear with several damas. In other celebrations, one principal escort has a more prominent role.
The word is sometimes translated as “escort” or “chamberlain,” but translations do not capture every regional use. In quinceañera planning, the term usually refers to a young man selected by the family or honoree, often a relative or close friend.
The role is cultural rather than a legal or religious office. A quinceañera does not need to have a chambelán, and families may change the tradition to include a female escort, several friends, or no formal escort. Regional vocabulary also differs, so some communities use alternative descriptions.