The Spanish word commonly naming an adult male sponsor in a quinceañera is padrino.
Padrino literally means godfather or male sponsor, and padrinos may help support the celebration financially, ceremonially, or emotionally. A family can choose relatives, friends, or other trusted adults for these roles. The feminine form is madrina, while the plural padrinos can refer to a sponsoring couple or a group of sponsors.
The role is related to the broader Latin American tradition of compadrazgo, a system of spiritual and social kinship associated especially with baptism and other important life events. In a quinceañera, sponsorship does not automatically create the same sacramental relationship as baptismal godparenthood.
Practices differ widely. Some padrinos pay for a particular item, such as the cake, dress, music, or venue; others simply stand with the celebrant. Modern families may use the terms for honored supporters even when the event is entirely secular.