The Spanish phrase corte de honor, meaning “court of honor,” names the quinceañera’s ceremonial group of attendants and escorts. It generally includes the celebrant, female damas, and male chambelanes.
A court of honor is especially associated with the choreographed public portions of the celebration. Members may enter in pairs, stand with the quinceañera for photographs, and perform a waltz or other rehearsed dance. Families often select relatives and close friends for these roles.
The court is a social tradition rather than a universal rule. Some contemporary quinceañeras use a smaller court, mixed-gender attendants, or no formal court. Terminology also varies by country and by Spanish-speaking community. “Corte de honor” should not be confused with padrinos, the sponsors who may help provide religious or ceremonial items.