Damas is the traditional Spanish term for female members of a quinceañera court.
The word dama means “lady,” and damas is its plural form. In a quinceañera’s corte de honor, the damas are usually friends or relatives who accompany the honoree and may participate in a formal entrance or choreographed dances.
Male court members are commonly called chambelanes. Together, damas and chambelanes form the traditional court, although practices vary widely. A family may choose only a few attendants, include people of different genders, or replace the court with a simpler group presentation.
Damas should not be confused with madrinas. Madrinas are godmothers or honored sponsors in some Latin American celebrations, and they may help with gifts or planning, but the terms describe different roles. The names and duties can vary across countries and families, so the traditional vocabulary does not impose one required ceremony.