In December, Jerez de la Frontera becomes the setting for one of the most authentic cultural and festive customs of Andalusian folklore: the zambombas.
Since the 18th century, on Christmas Eve, friends and family have gathered in the communal patios to sing villancicos (Spanish Christmas Carols). Today, like then, a hospitable generous atmosphere combined with a joyful and lively spirit of celebration welcomes everyone and anyone to join in.
When December comes, you can find zambombas everywhere, particularly on Saturdays - hundreds of them. On every street or square you can hear the rasping sound of the zambomba accompanying a chorus of improvised voices.
This is a development from the original small celebrations which were held outdoors in the communal courtyards of buildings where neighbours often shared the same kitchen. On Christmas Eve, neighbours would sing and dance until dawn and then catch a few hours sleep before continuing the celebrations on Christmas Day. Today the celebration still goes on well into the night.
A circle forms around the fire and spontaneous Spanish carol singing and improvised flamenco dancing starts up while wine, aniseed liqueur, punch and Christmas sweets are passed around. Providing rhythmical accompaniment there are zambombas, the traditional instrument from which the celebration derives its name, along with kitchen mortars and pestles, tambourines and a grooved anis bottles.
Some of the best zambombas in Jerez can be found in flamenco clubs, particularly on Saturdays prior to Christmas. On the last days of the year, the unique rhythm of Villancicos can be heard in the neighbourhoods around la Cruz Vieja, Cerrofuerte, Santiago, Albarizuela and around the market.
Zambombas are becoming increasingly popular and every year more and more neighbourhood communities, cultural organizations, education centres, flamenco clubs and fraternities organize zambombas. Everyone takes part and flamenco takes on a communal flavour as divisions are broken down between the public and the performers.
According to el Centro Andaluz de Flamenco (CAF), which is based in Jerez, the zambombas organised by the flamenco clubs, fraternities and neighbourhood communities are all of a high standard. CAF will also organise their own zambomba on 22 December at 2pm with a flamenco troupe. There will be mosto (this year’s new wine) and pestiños (typical seasonal pastries) and while you’re there you can also visit an exhibition showing the development of Andalusian dress from 15th to the 20th century.
Origins
The zambomba and the flamenco mass are the most authentic of the Catholic celebrations in Andalusia. They are manifestations of a centuries old oral cultural tradition, inherited and passed on from father to son.
The instrument is usually handmade using a clay pot covered with animal hide (normally goatskin) or alternatively muslin. In the centre of the covering, which is stretched taut over the pot, a hollow cane is attached. When this cane is rubbed up and down it emits a deep rasping sound which forms the rhythmical base or beat to which the villancicos are sung.
The first references to these villancicos date back to 15th and 16th centuries. However it wasn’t until the 17th century that they acquired the religious character which we recognise today.
IM WASSER
AM ZIEL 
BILSCHIRMHINTERGRÜNDE
When December comes, you can find zambombas everywhere, particularly on Saturdays - hundreds of them. On every street or square you can hear the rasping sound of the zambomba accompanying a chorus of improvised voices.
The instrument is usually handmade using a clay pot covered with animal hide (normally goatskin) or alternatively muslin. In the centre of the covering, which is stretched taut over the pot, a hollow cane is attached. When this cane is rubbed up and down it emits a deep rasping sound which forms the rhythmical base or beat to which the villancicos are sung.