How to make a zambomba
Due to the limit set by the air companies for luggage size, it was obvious that we would not be allowed to carry the larger zambombas you can see in some of our photos. So, Valentín offered to construct some not-so-large ones to carry to New Mexico. As usual, his garage serves as workshop to make the zambombas. We have been documenting the process to share it here with those who may want to try and do it themselves in New Mexico. Once we are there, Valentín will respond questions and provide tips to whoever requests his help and experience. The main structure is that of a barrel. The wood strips need to be very carefully arranged. As shown in the pictures, we need a wooden barrel, hollow on both sides. One of the sides will be covered with a goat's skin, previously moistened, shaved ands very thoroughly cleaned. Choosing the proper skin is crucial for a good result. Stapling the band that holds the skin to the barrel. Once the skin is soft and ready, a
Hola --my name is Linda Zaragoza and my partner Frank Mazza. We attended your performance at Acoma Pueblo on December 21st at the Sky City Cultural Center. It was wonderful to anticipate as I had been to Spain in year's past and enjoyed so much. We wanted to go visit Acoma but made a point to go to hear your group!! We met Enrique prior to the performance and talked with him about his personal experience coming to the US as a young man.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed for the entire time of the performance which was nearly an hour and a half and we thoroughly enjoyed it! The group so effectively made the connection between Spain and New Mexico and explained very well the history and tradition of your ronda, the demonstration and explanation of the instruments, the clothing of the performers and the wonderful rendition of your Christmas songs. What an experience. Then later, we had the unique experience of the tour to the top of the mesa with your group and I believe we were one of two couples who accompanied your group and we had the tour with Spanish translation. Our guide was excited to tell all of us about his heritage and village that has existed since the early 1600's.
It was a very excellent way to end the tour with the visit to the church and to hear the last number by the group sung there. I witnessed afterward, one of the village women hug one of yours after hearing the music wafting out from the church. That is the magic of music and song--a universal language of humans who experience the same feelings and touch each others' hearts with their ability to express through their voices and their heartfelt exuberance of their talent!
I hope Los Carrozas de Cifuentes return to NM one day or that I can get to Spain to hear them again and experience that magic again that I experienced!!
We bade you well as your group had to hurry on to Albuquerque and one more performance there at another church. It is so uplifting to hear, see and experience these wonderful feelings of connection and humanness at the Christmas season, especially in our troubled world, our troubled times. These are the feelings we hope to carry us through the troubled times and into the New Year.
Vaya con Dios y Feliz Navidad y un ano prospero! You touched our hearts.
Muchas Gracias!
Dear Lynda and Frank, you too touched our hearts. Your smiles and warmth accompanied us during presentation and visit to Acoma Pueblo. Eventually, this is the "result" we all want and need: to feel closer, to feel united in a common experience of joy and sharing. Happy New Year and thank you for your presence!
DeleteHola Linda, soy uno de los miembros de la ronda de los Carrozas que estuvo en Asoma Pueblo. También para nosotros fue un privilegio cantar en ese lugar tan especial. Sin duda un momento único y mágico. Muchas gracias por estar con nosotros y compartirlo.
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