The emotion of sharing Flamenco Christmas carols

Scholars have identified certain Castilian customs of the Middle Ages, with parallels to Moorish canticles, to demonstrate the flamenco Christmas carol is a manifestation of folkloric music tradition. Derived especially from the beautiful and participative “bulería”, the songs are emboldened by a traditional musical instrument “zambona” to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in family gatherings around Andalusia. These carols amplified the flamenco aesthetic, giving it an important literary status as of the 13th century, when cultured poets began to write songs in a language that was accessible for everyone.

Today, and even more so, in the sensitive voice of Manuel Lombo, this is a marvellous musical form that activates a collective emotional response. Lombo, a native of Sevilla, has recorded records of the genre such as Cante, incienso y mirra. Since 2010, he has created shows based on Flamenco carols, combining traditional tunes with others composed by himself, resulting in enormously successful performances in churches, cathedrals, and theatres.

Perhaps the key is the irresistible mix of his talent and feelings. An ever-present combination that allows a shift from orthodox flamenco -learnt in the Fundación Cristina Heeren with José de la Tomasa and Naranjito de Triana- to a transformation, as a tribute, to the memory of the revolutionary Bambino; or by sharing the stage with soprano Ainhoa Arteta, to merge the song book of popular Christmas tunes with that of traditional culture.

Empathetic and seductive, a figure of great charisma on stage, Manuel Lombo returns to the Maestranza to perform in a wonderful Christmas celebration which includes En el portal de Belén or Campanilleros. So that you can start preparing the fiesta at home.