The zambomba
A friction drum: a clay pot with a skin (or cloth) stretched over its mouth and a cane stuck in the middle. You rub the cane with a wet hand and it gives the deep rumble that names the party.
Jerez de la Frontera · Christmas
Jerez Zambombas 2026
20 Nov → 25 Decofficial season
The 2026 Jerez zambombas run from Friday 20 November to Friday 25 December, in the streets and squares of the old town and the Santiago and San Miguel quarters, at flamenco clubs and brotherhoods. The busiest time is the 5–8 December long weekend, and street zambombas are free, from 15:00 to midnight.
20/11 → 25/12official season
5 → 8 Decthe big weekend
15:00 → 00:00hours without a permit
2015listed cultural heritage
What is a zambomba?
What the decree that made it protected heritage says about it.
A Christmas Eve party in a circle
A zambomba is a Christmas gathering where people sing carols, ballads and verses in a circle, usually around a fire, with the zambomba drum, tambourines and an anisette bottle keeping time. A single voice sings a verse and the whole circle answers with the chorus; between songs someone steps into the middle to dance. Pestiños, buñuelos and roscos are handed round, and the «zambombas mañaneras» start at midday with berza (a chickpea stew) or ajo caliente.
From the courtyards to the street
It was born in the shared courtyards of tenement houses and on the farms of the Jerez countryside. According to the regional decree, its origins are not documented: it is said to date from the late 18th century, and there are plenty of oral accounts from the early 20th. It almost died out between 1965 and 1975, when the courtyards emptied, and came back in the 1980s through the Cátedra de Flamencología and the flamenco clubs (peñas); from there it spread to brotherhoods, residents’ associations, schools and businesses. The most respected neighbourhoods are Santiago, San Miguel and San Mateo in Jerez, and the Barrio Bajo, the Barriada de la Paz and the Camino de las Nieves in Arcos.
Protected cultural heritage since 2015
The Andalusian government listed «la Zambomba, in Arcos de la Frontera and Jerez de la Frontera» as a Bien de Interés Cultural (an ethnological activity of cultural interest) by Decree 503/2015 of 9 December. And «Christmas in Jerez» has been a Festival of Tourist Interest of Andalusia since an order of 9 March 2021.
Jerez and Arcos: two styles
The decree tells them apart. Arcos keeps a broader, older repertoire, with verses that change from one neighbourhood to another and round dances with hops and hands on hips. In Jerez the repertoire has become standard and more flamenco: guitar, cajón and timbales came in, the tunes lean towards bulería and the dancing in the circle is flamenco.
Carols you will hear
In Jerez
- Los peces en el río
- Campana sobre campana
- Ay del chiquirritín
- Dime, niño, ¿de quién eres?
- Esta noche es Nochebuena
- La Marimorena
In Arcos (from the Arcos council songbook)
- Calle de San Francisco
- Garbanzos verdes
- El cebollinero
- Los caminos se hicieron
- Los peregrinos
- Las doce palabras
- El arriero
- Repica una campana
- El marinerito
- La Micaela
Traditional titles. The words, you learn in the circle.
The instruments
Tambourines
The tambourine keeps the beat.
Anisette bottle and mortar
An anisette bottle scraped with a spoon or fork, and the kitchen mortar. The decree notes that frying pans, pots and lids were played too: whatever was to hand.
Handclaps, guitar and cajón
Handclaps always. Guitar, cajón and timbales belong to the more flamenco Jerez style.
What’s on, day by day.
What has been announced as of 22 October. Teatro Villamarta shows come from its official programme; brotherhood and peña zambombas were announced by their organisers and are marked «To be confirmed». Bar events are not listed.
Show only:
Nothing like this in the rest of the season. Clear the filter to see everything.
14
Saturday · November
The first one, early
Brotherhoods, peñas and associations
-
13:00
Redención brotherhood zambomba Centro histórico (lugar por confirmar) Organiser: Hermandad de la Redención
Announced by the brotherhood for 14 November, six days before the bylaw season opens, so it can only be held indoors in a licensed venue. Details to follow from the brotherhood.
20
Friday · November
The season opens
Brotherhoods, peñas and associations
-
All day
First day of the zambomba season Todo el término municipal de Jerez Organiser: Ayuntamiento de Jerez
From today until 25 December inclusive, zambombas may be held. The lights switch-on and the opening event have no official 2026 date yet: in 2025 they took place on the first day of the season, with a free concert by Luis de Perikín.
22
Sunday · November
El Cristo, in its square
Brotherhoods, peñas and associations
-
15:00
Expiración brotherhood zambomba Plaza del Cristo y Alameda del Banco Organiser: Hermandad de la Expiración («El Cristo»)
In the street, outside its church. Free.
28
Saturday · November
First big Saturday
Brotherhoods, peñas and associations
-
13:30
Aspanido and Down Jerez charity zambomba Bodegas Pajarete Organiser: Aspanido y Down Jerez
Charity zambomba by two Jerez associations. Free.
Teatro Villamarta
-
20:00
«De Nueva York a Jerez» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
By the Peña Flamenca La Buena Gente. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
29
Sunday · November
El Nazareno, at San Juan de Letrán
Brotherhoods, peñas and associations
-
15:00
Jesús Nazareno brotherhood zambomba Capilla de San Juan de Letrán Organiser: Hermandad de Jesús Nazareno
Outside the chapel, like the one in the cover photo. Free.
Teatro Villamarta
-
19:00
María Peláe: «Navidad flamenca a lo Peláe» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
Christmas songs by the Málaga singer. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
3
Thursday · December
Así canta Jerez
Teatro Villamarta
-
21:00
Luis de Perikín: «Así canta Jerez en Navidad» (15th anniversary tour) Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
First of seven shows, 3 to 6 December. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
4
Friday · December
The long weekend begins
Teatro Villamarta
-
17:30
Luis de Perikín: «Así canta Jerez en Navidad» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
Two shows: 17:30 and 21:00. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
5
Saturday · December
The busiest day
Brotherhoods, peñas and associations
-
15:00
Consuelo and Resurrección brotherhoods zambomba Plaza de Belén Organiser: Hermandades del Consuelo y de la Resurrección
Free. Plaza de Belén is one of the spots the council wants to make a hub of Christmas.
-
15:00
Vera Cruz brotherhood zambomba Plaza del Arenal Organiser: Hermandad de la Vera Cruz
Free.
-
TBA
Soledad brotherhood zambomba Bar de la hermandad Organiser: Hermandad de la Soledad
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6. Free; time to be announced.
Teatro Villamarta
-
17:30
Luis de Perikín: «Así canta Jerez en Navidad» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
Two shows: 17:30 and 21:00. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
6
Sunday · December
Constitution Day
Brotherhoods, peñas and associations
-
15:00
Expiración brotherhood zambomba Plaza del Cristo Organiser: Hermandad de la Expiración («El Cristo»)
Free.
-
16:00
Peña Flamenca La Bulería zambomba Peña La Bulería · calle Empedrada, 20 Organiser: Peña Flamenca La Bulería
Free.
Teatro Villamarta
-
17:30
Luis de Perikín: «Así canta Jerez en Navidad» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
Two shows: 17:30 and 21:00. The last ones. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
10
Thursday · December
The zambomba of joy
Teatro Villamarta
-
20:00
Fundación Alalá: «La zambomba de la alegría» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
Charity concert by the Fundación Alalá. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
11
Friday · December
Vienen de Jerez
Teatro Villamarta
-
20:00
Agrupación Vienen de Jerez: «Vienen de Jerez» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
Carols by the Jerez group. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
12
Saturday · December
Charity at the Escolanía
Brotherhoods, peñas and associations
-
TBA
2nd Manos Unidas and Pasión y Rosario charity zambomba Patio de la Escolanía Organiser: Manos Unidas y Hermandad de Pasión y Rosario
Free; time to be announced.
17
Thursday · December
Christmas zambomba
Teatro Villamarta
-
20:00
María José Santiago: «Zambomba navideña» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
The Jerez singer and her zambomba. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
18
Friday · December
Christmas around the world
Teatro Villamarta
-
20:30
Pitingo: «Navidades del mundo» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
Christmas concert by the Huelva singer. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
19
Saturday · December
Flamenco Jerez
Teatro Villamarta
-
17:30
«Jerez Flamenca Navidad» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
Two shows: 17:30 and 20:30. Artistic direction by Dani Muñoz Peña; guest artists Enrique el Zambo and Jesús Méndez. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
20
Sunday · December
The Farruco family
Teatro Villamarta
-
20:00
Familia Farruco: «Farrucos y Fernández» Teatro Villamarta · plaza Romero Martínez Organiser: Teatro Villamarta (Ayuntamiento de Jerez)
Christmas show by the Farruco family. Tickets on sale since 8 September at the box office and on tickentradas.com (fee applies).
25
Friday · December
Last day
Brotherhoods, peñas and associations
-
Until 00:00
Last day of the zambomba season Todo el término municipal de Jerez Organiser: Ayuntamiento de Jerez
Christmas Day ends the season. Christmas Eve, the 24th, is the day for the zambomba at home.
Still to be announced.
Yearly events not yet announced for 2026. 2025 details are given for reference only.
The council’s Zambomba BIC
The official zambomba in Plaza de la Asunción, with carol groups and a charity bar. In 2024 it was on Saturday 14 December and in 2025 on Saturday 13, from 13:00. If it again falls on the Saturday nearest the anniversary of the heritage listing (14 December), it would be Saturday 12 December 2026: not yet announced.
Lights switch-on and opening event
In 2025 the lights came on on the first day of the season (21 November) with a free concert by Luis de Perikín. This year the season starts on Friday 20 November; the council will announce the switch-on date.
Zambomba contest
The 2026 bylaw says the Culture department will approve the rules. In 2025 there were two €1,500 prizes (most traditional and most sustainable), to be donated to a good cause.
«La Nochebuena de Jerez», with grupo Alba
In 2025, a grupo Alba concert on 24 December at 13:30 in the Claustros de Santo Domingo. The 2026 programme has not been presented.
Schools carol contest
Run by the Cátedra de Flamencología with the council: school choirs with traditional instruments only. The 2025 final was on 18 December.
«Navidad Flamenca» across the province
A series by the Diputación de Cádiz and the provincial federation of peñas: in 2025, 47 free zambombas in 29 towns. The 2026 edition has not been presented.
The rules.
From the mayor’s 2026 zambomba bylaw, signed on 30 September 2026.
When
From Friday 20 November to Friday 25 December 2026, inclusive.
Hours without a permit
Zambombas that need no permit: 15:00 to midnight. Clubs, theatres and auditoriums keep their licensed hours.
Hours in the street
Authorised street zambombas: as their permit says, never past 02:00. On bar terraces: until midnight.
No loudspeakers
Amplification and recorded music are banned in the street and on terraces. In exchange, noise targets are suspended for those zambombas: people sing unamplified.
No permit needed
Family or private ones; those in community centres on the council’s programme; those in licensed clubs, theatres and halls; and «popular zambombas» in bars and on their licensed terraces, with no stage, no amplification and no separation between performers and public.
Permit needed
Those with performers, an audience and amplified sound outside licensed venues; those at brotherhood houses, peñas, residents’ associations and clubs (unless private); company ones; and every street zambomba, which also needs a permit to occupy public space.
Deadlines
Apply 10 working days ahead for venues and 15 for the street, using the Urbanismo forms. Anything unanswered by the day is deemed refused.
In the street, only non-profits
Only popular zambombas run by non-profits may be authorised in the street, at most two per organisation (unless next to its premises), and the bar may not be handed to a third party.
In the old town
Anything set up must fit in and be Christmassy; neon lights are banned.
Zambombas around the province.
Arcos shares the heritage listing with Jerez, and peñas take the zambomba across the province.
The other listed zambomba
Arcos shares the heritage listing with Jerez and keeps the oldest, unaccompanied repertoire. The council organises its own Zambomba BIC each year with local women’s associations and brotherhood choirs. 2026 dates to be confirmed.
Living Nativity
The old town becomes a nativity scene with locals in period costume, torches and palm fronds. In 2025 it was on Saturday 13 December, 18:00 to 22:30, with 26 scenes. If it stays on the second Saturday of December, it would be Saturday 12 December 2026: to be confirmed.
Guadalcacín and the countryside
The zambomba lives on in the villages and the 50-plus rural settlements of Jerez and Arcos, such as Guadalcacín.
Flamenco clubs
The 2025 «Navidad Flamenca» series held free zambombas at peñas in Sanlúcar, El Puerto, Cádiz, San Fernando, Rota, Chipiona and Puerto Real. 2026 to be confirmed.
From the plains to the hills
Medina Sidonia, Trebujena and several Sierra towns had zambombas in the 2025 provincial series. 2026 to be confirmed with each town hall or peña.
With its own bylaw
Chiclana also regulates its zambombas by bylaw: in 2025, from 28 November to 25 December. The 2026 one is not out yet.
Getting there and around.
The 2026 traffic plan is not out yet; below is the 2025 one.
By train
The easiest way from the Bay of Cádiz. Cercanías line C-1 links Cádiz, San Fernando, Puerto Real and El Puerto de Santa María with Jerez station and the airport; Seville regional trains stop too. From the station you can walk to the centre. Check the last train back on renfe.com.
Shuttle buses
In 2025 the council ran shuttles from 14:00 to 23:55 from two easy car parks: the Feria del Caballo fairground and the Monday-market ground behind the Pedro S. Garrido stadium. The 2026 plan is not out yet.
By car
Avoid driving into the centre. In 2025, on the busiest days, traffic was restricted around the old town from 15:00 on Fridays and 12:00 at weekends and on holidays. Central car parks admit cars until full.
Taxi
In 2025 there were ranks at Alameda Cristina, plaza Esteve, calle Puerto and plaza del Arroyo.
Coach trips
In 2025 coaches had 10-minute drop-off points at calle San Juan Grande and calle Puerto.
What to eat
Zambombas come with Christmas sweets (pestiños, buñuelos, roscos), often handed out free, and at midday ones with berza jerezana and ajo caliente, washed down with sherry. Street zambombas usually have a bar run by the organising brotherhood or peña. Central bars fill up: book if you are a group.
Tips
- Go early: zambombas start at 15:00 and the centre fills fast on Saturdays and the long weekend.
- The 5–8 December long weekend is the busiest (7 and 8 December are public holidays in Andalusia). Book accommodation early.
- You sing, not just listen: learn a couple of choruses and bring a tambourine.
- Wrap up: most of it is outdoors and December evenings get chilly.
- Respect the neighbours: the old town is where people live. Glass goes in the recycling bin.
- If you will be moving around, use the train and shuttles rather than a car.
Phones
Emergencies112Local Police092National Police091Medical emergencies061Teatro Villamarta (box office)956 14 96 86Jerez Tourist Office956 33 88 74
Frequently asked questions.
When are the Jerez zambombas in 2026?
From Friday 20 November to Friday 25 December 2026, inclusive, as set by the mayor’s bylaw signed on 30 September.
Which days are busiest?
Weekends, and above all the 5–8 December long weekend (Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 are public holidays in Andalusia).
What time do they start and finish?
Those without a permit run from 15:00 to midnight; authorised street ones until 02:00 at the latest; terraces until midnight.
Do I have to pay?
Street, brotherhood and peña zambombas are free; you pay for drinks. The Teatro Villamarta shows are ticketed.
When is the council’s Zambomba BIC?
Not announced yet. In 2025 it was on Saturday 13 December in Plaza de la Asunción from 13:00.
Where are the street zambombas?
Mostly in the old town and the Santiago and San Miguel quarters, usually outside the church or premises of the organising brotherhood.
Can I get there by train?
Yes: Cercanías line C-1 links Cádiz, San Fernando, Puerto Real and El Puerto with Jerez, and the station is within walking distance of the centre.
Are there zambombas outside Jerez?
Yes. Arcos de la Frontera shares the heritage listing and has its own zambomba and Living Nativity; peñas across the province hold them too.
Which carols are sung?
Traditional carols and ballads, in Jerez with a strong flamenco feel. Arcos keeps older ones.
Can I hold a zambomba in the street?
Only non-profit organisations, with a council permit requested at least 15 working days ahead. No loudspeakers, and 02:00 at the latest.
Sources
Everything for 2026 not marked «To be confirmed» comes from these. 2025 items are for reference only.
- Jerez 2026 zambomba bylaw (30/09/2026; verification code 8A2K66J0H9839M0, Spanish) ↗
- Jerez Urbanismo department: application forms (Spanish) ↗
- Decree 503/2015: the Zambomba as cultural heritage (Spanish) ↗
- Order of 9 March 2021: Christmas in Jerez, Festival of Tourist Interest (Spanish) ↗
- Teatro Villamarta: 2026/27 season programme ↗
- Jerez council: Zambomba BIC 2025 (Spanish) ↗
- Jerez council: Christmas 2025 programme (Spanish) ↗
- Jerez council: 2025 zambomba traffic plan (Spanish) ↗
- Jerez council: 2025 zambomba contest (Spanish) ↗
- Jerez council: schools carol contest 2025 (Spanish) ↗
- Arcos council: Living Nativity 2025 (Spanish) ↗
- Arcos council: Zambomba BIC 2025 songbook (Spanish) ↗
- Andalusian Flamenco Institute: 2024 zambombas in Cádiz (Spanish) ↗
- Andalusia cultural agenda: 2025 provincial zambomba series (Spanish) ↗
- Chiclana council: 2025 zambomba bylaw (Spanish) ↗
- Renfe: Cádiz commuter trains ↗
- Teatro Villamarta tickets (tickentradas) ↗
Photos
- [1] Zambomba of the Nazareno brotherhood outside the San Juan de Letrán chapel (2014). Foto: El Pantera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- [2] The zambomba, the instrument: pot, skin and cane (Peña Amigos del Cañizo). Foto: El Pantera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- [3] The council’s Zambomba BIC in Plaza de la Asunción, 13 December 2025. Foto: El Pantera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- [4] A night-time zambomba, with the fire and the circle. Foto: El Pantera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
