Padrino is the Spanish word for a person who sponsors or helps pay for quinceañera expenses.
A padrino is traditionally a male sponsor or godfather, while madrina is the corresponding female term. In quinceañera planning, padrinos and madrinas may contribute a specific item or service, such as the dress, cake, flowers, music, venue, jewelry, or religious accessories.
The arrangement is part of a wider Latin American custom in which extended family and trusted community members support important life events. A sponsor’s role can be financial, ceremonial, or both. Some families list sponsors in the program or thank them during speeches.
Padrinos are not the same as the court. Court members are usually young attendants who participate in the entrance and dances, whereas padrinos are generally adults or family friends who help organize and support the celebration. Modern families may fund the event themselves and use the terms less formally.