A quinceañera’s female sponsor or godmother is traditionally called a madrina.
Madrina means “godmother” or “female sponsor” in Spanish. In quinceañera planning, a madrina may help provide a dress, cake, flowers, venue expenses, or another important part of the celebration. The precise responsibility depends on the family and local custom.
Madrinas are distinct from damas, who are members of the celebrant’s court, and from chambelanes, who are commonly male attendants. A madrina may be a relative, family friend, or religious godmother, and several madrinas may share sponsorship duties.
The practice reflects the broader role of family and community sponsorship in milestone celebrations. It is customary rather than legally required, and many contemporary families pay for the event themselves or use different arrangements.