Flamenco - Granada
Zambra Granaina
The Spectacular cave district of Granada known as Barrio Sacramonte was
recognised and revered by noted personalities who were moved by the way
the emotional expression of the gypsies there culminated in their art.
In the caves of Sacramonte a style of flamenco arose known as Zambra,
which was a 'jondo' or profound style of gypsy feeling. This style still
persists. It dates back to the 16th century and was sung at the weddings
of the Moors occupying the city at that time.
It was festive, containing
dance, song, 'palmas' (rhythmical hand clapping) and 'jaleo' (shouts of
encouragement - such as Ole) and was initiated by the families of the
couples who had just been married. This style, the Zambra, gave two
alternative names to the famous Cuevas Sacramontinas (Caves of
Sacramonte). These were - 'Zambras Sacramontinas' and 'Zambras del
Sacramonte'.
