What Spanish word commonly names the male attendants in a quinceañera court?

The Spanish word commonly used for the male attendants in a quinceañera court is “chambelanes.”

Chambelanes traditionally accompany the quinceañera during formal entrances, photographs, and choreographed dances. The word is especially common in Mexican and Mexican-American usage, although terminology can differ among countries and families. In English, these attendants may also be called escorts or escorts in the court.

A quinceañera court often includes both young women and young men. The female attendants are commonly called damas, while the male attendants are called chambelanes. The size of the court is not fixed: families select a number that fits their plans, budget, venue, and preferred choreography.

Chambelanes are not the same as padrinos. Padrinos are sponsors or honored supporters who may help provide parts of the celebration. Confusing those roles can make a description of the ceremony inaccurate, because attendants participate in the court while sponsors have a different relationship to the event.