Sponsors who help support a quinceañera are commonly called padrinos.
Padrinos is the plural of padrino, a Spanish word related to sponsor or godfather. In quinceañera customs, padrinos may be relatives, friends, or family supporters who contribute money, services, or symbolic gifts. Their involvement can extend to the religious service, the reception, or particular ceremonial items, depending on local practice.
The role is not identical everywhere. Some families select padrinos for specific responsibilities, while others use the word broadly for people who help make the celebration possible. Modern celebrations may also rely on parents and the wider family without using a formal sponsor system.
Padrinos should not be confused with chambelanes or damas. Those terms describe members of the court of honor who accompany the quinceañera. Padrinos are supporters or sponsors, whether or not they take part in the court. The vocabulary also connects quinceañera customs with wider Latin American traditions in which godparents and sponsors have important family and religious roles.