Historically, Granada’s gypsies were forbidden to live inside the city walls. Instead, they settled on the hillsides of what we know today as Sacromonte. There, they dug out holes in the stone creating caves that became their homes. It’s here where artistic passion was cultivated and the zambra was born.
Although the exact origin of the word “zambra” is debatable, it most certainly comes from the Arab language: probably from the word “zumra” (“party”),“zamra” (“flute”) or “zamara” (“musicians”).
The word “zambra” was first used to represent the way the gypsy community celebrated weddings in the caves of Granada’s Sacromonte neighborhood as far back as the 17th century.
This tradition was also influenced by Moorish weddings. This is especially true after the Moors where expelled from the city in the 16th century and mixed with the gypsies in the caves of the Sacromonte.
Although the zambra was later forbidden by the Inquisition, gypsies continued to practice it and have kept it alive to this day.
The word zambra is now used to refer to this particular type of flamenco dance from Granada as well as the traditional venues where the spectacles take place, the “gypsy caves” (“cuevas gitanas” in Spanish).
Today we use the term “underground” to describe movements or art forms. But Granada’s flamenco is truly an underground art that has become accepted and appreciated by critics and the mainstream.
Seeing a live performance in one of Granada’s caves is an experience you won’t forget. The intimacy of the space along with the acoustics make it one of a kind.
Our top cave venue recommendations are Cuevas Los Tarantos in Sacromonte and El Templo del Flamenco in Albaicin. But continue reading to find the complete list of the best tablaos and zambras offering daily flamenco shows in Granada.