What Spanish word commonly names the quinceañera’s formal court of honor?

The quinceañera’s formal court of honor is commonly called the corte de honor.

The court is a group of attendants selected by the celebrant, often including damas and chambelanes. Its members may accompany her during the entrance, stand with her for photographs, and perform a rehearsed waltz or other dance at the reception.

The court reflects older ceremonial ideas in which a young woman was publicly presented to family and community. Contemporary families often adapt the tradition to suit the celebrant’s friendships, cultural background, and preferred style. Some courts are large, while others contain only a few people.

Corte de honor should not be mistaken for the quinceañera herself. The celebrant is the quinceañera, while the corte de honor is the supporting group. Spanish terminology also varies by region, and English-language celebrations may simply call it the court or court of honor.