The Spanish term padrinos commonly means the sponsors or godparents who help provide a quinceañera celebration.
Padrinos is the plural of padrino, a word that can mean godfather or sponsor; padrinas is the corresponding feminine plural in some usage. In quinceañera customs, padrinos may contribute money, clothing, decorations, music, food, or other parts of the event. Their exact responsibilities depend on the family and local tradition.
The practice connects the celebration with broader Latin American customs in which trusted adults support important religious or family milestones. Padrinos are often relatives or close family friends, but there is no universal rule about who may serve.
The word should not be confused with damas or chambelanes, who are attendants in the court. Nor does every modern quinceañera have padrinos. Some families pay for the event themselves, share costs among relatives, or replace traditional sponsorship with a simpler celebration.