People who help provide ceremonial items or support for a quinceañera are traditionally called padrinos.
Padrinos is the plural of padrino, meaning godfather or sponsor; female sponsors may be called madrinas. Families may ask these relatives or trusted adults to contribute toward the dress, celebration, religious items, cake, music, or other expenses. The arrangement differs widely among communities.
The role connects the celebration with broader Latin American traditions of ceremonial sponsorship. It can express affection, responsibility, and family participation rather than merely financial assistance. Some modern families pay for the event themselves or omit formal sponsors.
Padrinos are different from damas and chambelanes, who are members of the court of honor. A sponsor may also appear in the court, but the titles describe separate roles and should not automatically be treated as synonyms.