Chambelanes commonly names the young men in a quinceañera’s court of honor.
These attendants may accompany the celebrant during her formal presentation and participate in a choreographed dance. The word is especially familiar in Mexican and Mexican-American quinceañera traditions, though terminology can vary among countries and families.
Female members of the court are often called damas. A court may contain both groups, only one group, or a different arrangement entirely. The celebrant may also choose siblings, friends, or relatives rather than follow a traditional gender pattern.
Chambelanes should not be confused with padrinos. Padrinos are sponsors or godparents who may help provide items or services for the celebration, while chambelanes are attendants who appear in the court. The roles can overlap in a family, but the terms describe different functions.