Zambomba of Jerez and Arcos

The zambomba of Jerez and Arcos de la Frontera is an exceptional, multidimensional, and dynamic cultural manifestation. It is one of Andalusia's most genuine and interesting Christmas celebrations and has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Junta de Andalucía.

The term zambomba refers to a festive Christmas ritual named after the percussive friction instrument, deeply rooted in popular tradition, which provides the rhythmic base for the choral interpretation of a repertoire combining religious themes with more jovial ones.

Old romances, Christmas carols, and villancicos (Spanish Christmas songs) are sung in groups, accompanied by handclapping and other traditional instruments, often around a bonfire, while social activities take place and food and drink are shared.

The zambombas of Jerez and Arcos share a common origin but have evolved divergently.

The zambomba was originally linked to communal living spaces, such as neighborhood patios or workers' houses on rural estates. In these places, there were close neighborly relationships and strong solidarity among residents.

The elements associated with this Christmas ritual are fire, singing, instruments such as the zambomba, the mortar (almirez), the tambourine, or the anise bottle, and, more recently, the guitar or the cajón; and the handclapping that marks the rhythm.

Despite the changes it has undergone, it maintains invariable elements, for example, the corro, a circular space formed by participants around a bonfire. This corro fosters intergenerational contact and the transmission of this culture to the younger generations.

Women have played an essential role in this regard and therefore enjoy a well-deserved prominence in these festivities. They have been the custodians and transmitters of lyrics and repertoires, responsible for organizing and setting the guidelines and timing within the ritual.

Food is another constant in the zambomba. As is well known, invitations and the act of sharing food and drinks strengthen social relationships. Originally, the food at zambombas was contributed by neighbors or homemade pestiños and buñuelos.

In zambombas, people sing, dance, and play instruments. The rhythmic patterns, tonalities, musicalization, and instrumentation in many of the Jerez zambombas today have a strong flamenco flavor, which is practically imperceptible in those from Arcos.

In Arcos, a unique songbook is maintained. Musically, the rhythm is freer, giving them a peculiar archaic feel. In Jerez, instruments like the flamenco guitar, cajón, or timpani introduce a rhythmic regularization that has not occurred in Arcos.

The dance performed in the center of the circle is also different, as flamenco forms dominate in Jerez zambombas, while Arcos maintains the style characteristic of bailes de ronda (round dances).