The religious sponsors who may help support a quinceañera are called padrinos.
Padrinos is the Spanish plural of padrino, meaning godfathers or male sponsors; mixed or gender-inclusive sponsor groups may also be described with the broader phrase padrinos y madrinas. These sponsors can be relatives, family friends, or other trusted adults who provide guidance, gifts, financial help, or ceremonial support.
In celebrations connected with Catholic practice, sponsors may help with items used during the religious service or reception. Their precise role is not identical in every country or family. Some quinceañeras have formal padrinos, while others rely on parents and relatives without using sponsor titles.
Padrinos should not be confused with the court of honor. The court consists of attendants who participate in the presentation and dances, whereas padrinos are adult supporters or sponsors. The word also has a broader meaning in Spanish-speaking cultures: padrino can describe a godfather, sponsor, or patron in contexts outside quinceañeras. Female sponsors are commonly called madrinas, and together the pair or group may be called padrinos y madrinas.