Dama is the Spanish term for a female court attendant in a quinceañera.
The word dama means “lady,” and in quinceañera usage it identifies one of the young women in the celebrant’s court. A court may contain several damas, often alongside male attendants. They commonly coordinate formal clothing and take part in entrances, dances, photographs, and other planned portions of the event.
Terminology varies by region and by family. English-language celebrations may simply call the participants bridesmaids, attendants, or members of the court, while Spanish-speaking families may use dama. The exact labels and roles are not standardized internationally.
Dama should not be confused with madrina. A madrina is generally a female sponsor or godmother figure, whereas a dama is an attendant participating in the court. The terms can describe different people, although one person may sometimes serve in more than one capacity.