The Spanish word padrinos means the sponsors who help support a quinceañera.
Padrinos are trusted relatives, friends, or other supporters who may contribute money, services, or symbolic gifts. Their involvement can help cover elements such as the dress, cake, flowers, music, religious service, or reception. The exact responsibilities are negotiated within each family and community.
The word is the plural of padrino, meaning “godfather” or male sponsor; padrina is the corresponding feminine form in contexts that distinguish gender. In everyday quinceañera use, padrinos can refer collectively to sponsors of different genders.
Padrinos are not the same as the court. Damas and chambelanes participate as attendants, often in the formal dance, while padrinos support the event financially, ceremonially, or practically. Some modern families pay for the celebration themselves and do not appoint padrinos.