Corte de honor is the Spanish phrase commonly used for a quinceañera’s ceremonial court of attendants.
The phrase literally means “court of honor.” It refers to the group selected to accompany the honoree during formal portions of the celebration, including the entrance, posed photographs, and a prepared dance. The group can include female attendants, often called damas, and male attendants, often called chambelanes.
The size and composition of a corte de honor vary widely. Some families choose a large court, while others select only a few close friends or relatives. Contemporary celebrations may also use mixed-gender groups or skip the court altogether, so the phrase describes a tradition rather than a universal requirement.
Corte de honor is different from the broader guest list. Guests attend the event, but members of the court have ceremonial duties and usually participate in rehearsed presentations. Regional vocabulary may differ, yet this phrase is widely recognized in Spanish-language descriptions of quinceañeras.