Madrina is the Spanish word commonly used for an adult woman who may sponsor part of a quinceañera.
A madrina can help provide or organize an element of the celebration, such as the dress, cake, flowers, music, or another ceremonial item. The exact duties depend on the family and local custom. A male sponsor is commonly called a padrino. Together, madrinas and padrinos may be viewed as important supporters of the honoree.
The role is easy to confuse with that of a dama. Damas are usually young women in the court of honor, while a madrina is generally an adult sponsor or a person entrusted with a particular responsibility. The terms can overlap informally in some communities, but they describe different traditional functions.
A madrina is not automatically a Catholic godmother, although religious families may choose someone with a close spiritual or family relationship. Secular celebrations can also use the sponsor tradition without including a church service.