Adult sponsors who help support a quinceañera are commonly called padrinos.
Padrinos is the plural of padrino, a Spanish word meaning godfather or sponsor; female sponsors may be called madrinas. In quinceañera planning, padrinos can contribute money, organize elements of the event, provide symbolic gifts, or offer guidance to the family.
The role developed alongside the celebration’s strong family and community dimensions. Sponsors may be relatives, family friends, or members of the celebrant’s religious community. Their exact responsibilities are not universal, because customs differ among countries, parishes, and families.
Padrinos should not be confused with damas or other court members. Damas are usually young female attendants, whereas padrinos are generally adults who support the celebration. Some contemporary families do not use sponsors at all, or they assign sponsorship to several people for different parts of the event.