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EveryParampara

Zaffa

The musical wedding procession of the Arab world, with drums, dancers and the couple.

A pattern drawn for this page, not a picture of Zaffa.

Also: zaffe

The zaffa is a joyful procession that leads the bride and groom into their wedding party, with drummers, pipers, dancers and often sword bearers or a troupe in costume. It originated in Egypt and spread across the Levant and the Gulf. Guests clap, ululate and join the dance, and the couple walk or are carried to a seat of honour. In Lebanon, the zaffa may include a dabke line dance, and in Egypt, the mazzika band plays the popular songs. Modern versions have lighting, fireworks and choreographed dancers, but the spirit of announcing the couple with music and noise remains.

Region: North Africa

See also

Henna nightUlulation

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