The Spanish word madrina describes a female sponsor or honored supporter at a quinceañera.
A madrina may help provide an item, service, or financial contribution for the celebration. Depending on local custom, she might sponsor the dress, cake, flowers, music, or another important part of the event. Families may choose several madrinas, each associated with a particular responsibility.
The word is related to madre, “mother,” and is also used more broadly in Spanish for a godmother or female sponsor. In quinceañera planning, madrinas can be relatives, family friends, or respected members of the community.
Usage is not identical everywhere. Some families use madrina and padrino for sponsors, while others use those terms mainly for religious godparents. A madrina is also different from a dama, who is generally a female member of the celebrant’s court rather than a sponsor.