Damas is the Spanish word traditionally used for the young women in a quinceañera’s court.
A court of honor commonly includes the quinceañera alongside attendants who participate in the formal entrance, choreographed dances, and other ceremonial parts of the celebration. The female attendants are called damas, meaning “ladies” in Spanish. Male attendants are traditionally called chambelanes, a separate term.
The size and composition of the court are not fixed everywhere. Some celebrations use equal numbers of damas and chambelanes, while others include only a few attendants or no formal court at all. Families often choose relatives and close friends for these roles.
Damas is sometimes confused with madrinas. Madrinas are female sponsors or honor attendants who may help provide items or support for the celebration; they are not necessarily members of the dance court.