Madrina is the traditional title for a female quinceañera sponsor.
A madrina may help support the honoree or contribute to parts of the celebration, depending on family and local custom. The role is comparable to that of a godmother or sponsor in a broader ceremonial network, but its practical duties are not identical everywhere. Some madrinas provide an item, help organize the event, or participate in the religious service.
The masculine form is padrino. A family may select several madrinas and padrinos, sometimes assigning different sponsors to particular gifts or expenses. Modern celebrations may use the terms loosely or may not include sponsors at all.
Madrina is different from dama, which traditionally identifies a female attendant in the court of honor. It is also different from quinceañera, the honoree herself. These Spanish titles can sound similar to people unfamiliar with the tradition, but they identify separate roles.