The family sponsors traditionally associated with a quinceañera are called padrinos.
Padrinos, or sponsors, may help provide ceremonial items, contribute financially, or support the family during planning. Depending on the family and region, they can sponsor the dress, cake, religious objects, venue, or another part of the celebration.
The word is related to padrino and madrina, terms that can mean godfather and godmother. In a quinceañera context, sponsors may be relatives, close friends, or respected members of the family’s community.
Padrinos should not be confused with chambelanes and damas. Those terms identify attendants in the court, while padrinos describe supporters or sponsors. No single list of padrinos or universal sponsorship obligation applies to every quinceañera.