Flamenco constitutes an enormous intangible and living heritage that enhances the cultural potential of Jerez. One example is its flamenco zambombas, which, in the days leading up to Christmas, are celebrated in all the streets and squares of the city, thus giving continuity to a festive, popular, and participatory ritual passed down from generation to generation.
In this context, and with the collaboration of the Jerez City Council’s Department of Education, a thousand schoolchildren from around twenty schools in the city participated this morning in a traditional flamenco zambomba as part of the Flamenkolé inter-school project, promoted by the Isabel la Católica and La Ina Infant and Primary Schools.
This unique Christmas carol tradition aims to highlight the participation of children in experiential processes of cultural creation and interpretation. This objective aligns perfectly with the #Jerez2031 European Capital of Culture bid. Specifically, students from the following schools participated: Mesas de Asta, Nueva Jarilla, La Salle San José, Madre de Dios, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Al Andalus, Arana Beato, Virgen del Mar, Sofia, Luis Vives, La Ina, and Isabel La Católica (the latter two being the driving forces behind the initiative).
During the two sessions held at 10:00 and 12:00, the children sang traditional Christmas carols in the style of Parrilla de Jerez, as well as flamenco carols by Antonio Gallardo and Fernando Terremoto.
