Padrinos is the Spanish term commonly used for the godparents or sponsors of a quinceañera.
Padrinos and madrinas may support the family financially, help organize the celebration, or provide symbolic gifts. In some families, they participate in specific ceremonial moments and are honored alongside parents and other close relatives. The role can therefore be practical, ceremonial, or both.
The word padrinos is a plural masculine or mixed-gender form; madrinas refers specifically to female godmothers or sponsors. Usage varies by country and household, and some families use the broader term padrinos for a mixed group.
These sponsors are not necessarily the same people as the honoree’s court. The court is made up of attendants, while padrinos are usually adults or trusted family friends who support the event. A family may have several pairs of sponsors, each associated with different expenses or gifts.