Padrinos is the Spanish word commonly used for male sponsors who help support parts of a quinceañera.
A padrino may contribute money, services, or a ceremonial item, depending on the family’s arrangements. The feminine form is madrina, and a couple may be called padrinos or padrinos y madrinas. Sponsors can help with the dress, cake, venue, music, religious service, or other expenses.
The role reflects the broader Latin American tradition of compadrazgo, in which ceremonial sponsors become important social and religious connections. In a quinceañera, however, sponsorship practices are flexible rather than governed by one universal rule.
Padrinos are different from chambelanes, who are male attendants in the court, and damas, who are female court members. A sponsor may also be a relative or friend and may simultaneously appear in the court, but the words describe different roles. Many contemporary families fund the event themselves and do not use formal sponsors.