A quinceañera’s female sponsor or godmother is commonly called a madrina.
Madrinas may help provide money, clothing, decorations, food, or other parts of the celebration. In some families, a madrina is a relative or close family friend chosen because of a trusted relationship with the celebrant.
The title is different from dama, which identifies a female attendant in the court of honor. A quinceañera can therefore have several damas performing ceremonial duties and one or more madrinas helping sponsor the event. The number and responsibilities of madrinas vary by family and region.
The tradition of sponsors connects the celebration with broader Latin American customs in which godparents or respected adults support important religious and family milestones. A madrina is not required for every quinceañera, particularly when families organize and finance the event themselves.