Estepona Celebrates Christmas with Seven Flamenco Zambombas
From November 29 to December 18, different locations across the city will host free performances organized by the Town Hall and local organizations
Estepona will experience a very special Christmas atmosphere with the celebration of seven flamenco zambombas between tomorrow Saturday and December 18. The Town Hall, together with the Brotherhoods of Carmen and Cautivo and the Estepona Flamenco Association ‘El Patio’, have organized these performances that will fill various venues across the city with music and tradition.
The program kicks off tomorrow Saturday, November 29 at 5:00 PM with the zambomba of the Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus Captive on Jesús Cautivo Street. This will be the first in a series of events that aim to bring Christmas flamenco to all corners of Estepona.
What is a Flamenco Zambomba?
The flamenco zambomba is an Andalusian tradition declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 2015 that combines traditional Christmas carols with flamenco rhythm, especially bulerías. Although its origin dates back to the 18th century, when neighbors gathered in courtyards to make Christmas sweets around a bonfire, it evolved over time by incorporating the singing, dancing and clapping characteristic of flamenco.
These celebrations, especially rooted in the province of Cádiz and the Jerez countryside, are characterized by their spontaneity and joy. The protagonists are the attendees who sing in chorus accompanied by instruments such as the guitar, cajón, tambourine and the zambomba itself. They are usually held in squares and streets, and are often accompanied by tastings of typical Christmas sweets such as buñuelos, mantecados and alfajores.
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Performances in the City Center
The Brotherhood of Our Lady of Carmen will hold a double weekend at Plaza Antonia Guerrero. On Friday, December 5, ‘El Callejón’ and the choir ‘Dame Tono’ will perform, while on Saturday, December 6, it will be the turn of DJ Jorge ‘D’Repente Flamenco’ and ‘Al son de Navidad’. Both zambombas will begin at 5:00 PM.
The highlight of the program will be the ‘Zambomba of the Year’ at the Palace of Exhibitions and Conferences on Saturday, December 13 at 6:00 PM. This show will feature top-level artists such as guitarist and composer Daniel Casares, along with Julián Bedmar, Maloko Soto and Jorge Pardo, accompanied by a cast of flamenco artists. Tickets are now available for this event.
Christmas Flamenco Reaches the Outlying Areas
The Town Hall has scheduled two zambombas in the outskirts so that the entire population can enjoy these celebrations. In Cancelada, on Friday, December 12 at 6:30 PM, Montemayor Street will host the performance of the group ‘Con azúcar y canela’ and the dance academy ‘Solo Flamenco’. Attendees will be able to taste Christmas sweets and roasted chestnuts.
Nueva Atalaya will also have its zambomba on Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 PM with the rociero choir ‘Canta Marbella’, which will perform popular Christmas carols.
Closing with Flamenco Christmas Carols
The last zambomba, organized by the Estepona Flamenco Association ‘El Patio’, will take place on Thursday, December 18 at 8:00 PM at Plaza Antonio Gala. The students of the academy ‘El Patio. Aprende a Cantar’, directed by Anda Fargas with the collaboration of Paco Javier Jimeno and David Quirós, will offer a show with classic and popular Christmas carols in different flamenco styles.
All zambombas, except the one at the Palace of Exhibitions, have free admission and represent a unique opportunity to enjoy the fusion between flamenco tradition and the Christmas spirit in a family-friendly and festive atmosphere.