Uncovering Zambo’s Bizarre Blend: A Pre-Lenten Festival beyond Lebanon’s Traditions
A Festival Suspended Between Worlds
For a moment, I felt as if I had stepped through a portal in time, into an era where ancient tribes roamed the land. But then, the narrow streets of El Mina (Tripoli) lined with weathered stone buildings, parked cars, and balconies brimming with curious onlookers, reminded me that this was no relic of the past. It was a paradox only Lebanon could craft, a land where civilizations intertwine to create a cultural mosaic unlike any other.
As I wandered through the labyrinthine alleys last Sunday, a rhythmic drumming echoed in the distance, growing louder with every step. The air was crisp—early March still held winter’s chill—but the energy was electric. Then, the spectacle unfolded as men and women of all ages emerged, their bodies streaked with bold strokes of black, red, and gold. They moved as one, swaying to the hypnotic beat, singing, dancing, and laughing, fully lost in the moment’s magic.
It was a place suspended between tradition and modernity, between worlds. But what kind of tradition is this—one that bears no resemblance to anything else in Lebanon?
The Mystery of Zambo: A Festival beyond Lebanon’s Norms
Zambo takes place once a year, on the Sunday before Lent in the Greek Orthodox calendar, celebrated by the vibrant community of Al Mina—yet, paradoxically, the Church itself has no ties to it. Arriving in Al Mina via its scenic seaside road, I first visited several Orthodox churches, their doors open to packed congregations attending solemn masses, moments I shared on social media.
But just a few streets away, as the clock struck 10 a.m., an entirely different scene was unfolding—an explosion of color, rhythm, and raw energy.
Intrigued by this stark contrast, I sought answers. Was Zambo a religious tradition? A long-lost Lebanese custom? Shaking his head, a local priest clarified, “No, this festival has no connection to the Church at all. But many years ago, before Lent, we had something else—something grand.”
He spoke of a time when El Mina hosted prestigious pre-Lenten festivals, much like the Greek Apokries, filled with music, feasts, and celebration. Once deeply woven into the community’s fabric, these traditions gradually faded over time.
Now, only Zambo remains.
The Elusive Origins of Zambo: Legends, Stories, and Unanswered Questions
Zambo’s origins are as vibrant and layered as the festival itself. No one knows exactly when or where it began, and theories abound:
A Legacy from Brazil: Some believe Zambo was influenced by Lebanese immigrants returning from Brazil, bringing back elements of Carnival.
Greek Influence: Others point to Apokries, the Greek pre-Lenten festival known for its masks, feasting, and symbolic excess before fasting. Given the historical Greek presence in Lebanon’s coastal cities, it is possible that elements of Apokries shaped Zambo over time.
African and Senegalese Connections: Another theory traces it to Senegalese soldiers stationed in the area during the French Mandate. If true, Zambo could be an adaptation of African masquerade traditions, embraced and transformed by the locals.
The Name “Zambo”: Even the festival’s name deepens the mystery. Historically, “Zambo” referred to people of mixed African and Indigenous heritage, raising questions about whether its roots extend that far!
From what I gathered speaking to locals, one truth became evident—Zambo has been passed down through generations for over a century, continuously evolving. It does not belong to a single culture or origin. It is a festival that belongs to everyone, yet no one at the same time.
Decoding the Symbols: The Meaning Behind the Costumes and Accessories
Trying to analyze deeper, I examined their costumes, questioning whether they were intentionally curated by locals based on a shared foundation. One of the most striking visual elements of Zambo is the elaborate costumes, body paint, and accessories worn by participants. Each detail exudes ritual, mystery, and theatricality, reflecting influences from various cultures throughout history.
Warrior and Ancestral Symbols (African, Indigenous, and Shamanic Traditions)
Teeth & Bone Accessories: Many participants wear necklaces adorned with animal teeth, bones, or miniature skulls—reminiscent of warrior talismans used in African and indigenous traditions. These symbols often represent ancestral connection, protection, and primal strength.
Skeletal Symbols & Staffs: Some carry long staffs wrapped in fabric, bones, or skull-like carvings, echoing traditions from West African voodoo, Haitian rituals, and Mexican Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Carnival and Masquerade Traditions (Mediterranean, Latin American, and African Influences)
Feathered Headdresses & Masks: These elaborate accessories are strikingly similar to those seen in Latin American Carnival, Caribbean Junkanoo, and West African masquerade traditions. Feathers have long been used in indigenous cultures to symbolize ascension, spiritual wisdom, and a connection between humans and divine forces. Masks, often exaggerated and expressive, resemble those in Greek Apokries, Brazilian Carnaval, and African masquerades, where they serve to transform the wearer into a different being.
Primal and Warrior Paint (Indigenous, African, and Ritual Symbolism)
Painted Faces & Bodies: Red, black, and gold dominate the body paint traditions of Zambo, each carrying symbolic weight—red representing vitality, power, and war paint, often seen in indigenous warrior cultures; black symbolizing mystery, the unknown, and a connection to the spirit world, common in African and tribal traditions; and gold signifying energy, celebration, and prestige, frequently used in Mediterranean and Latin American festivities.
Tribal and Nomadic Garments (Berber, Nomadic, and Hunter-Warrior Societies)
Fur-lined vests and leather belts worn by some participants enhance the raw, primal aesthetic that defines Zambo. Resembling the attire of North African Berbers, Central Asian nomads, and various warrior societies, these garments symbolize survival, endurance, and a deep connection to nature.
Perhaps this is an exaggerated analysis for a ‘spontaneously’ planned festival, but my curiosity drove me to attempt to decode what is unseen and unwritten.
Symbolic Release: A Celebration of Transition and Renewal
One of the most striking moments was when a man lay motionless on the ground. The crowd encircled him, chanting “Zambo, Zambo” in rhythmic unison. As the calls grew louder, he slowly stirred, and then rose to his feet, seamlessly rejoining the celebration as cheers erupted around him.
This act stands as a powerful symbol of death, revival, and renewal, echoing deep-rooted traditions across cultures. Throughout history, societies have embraced symbolic death and rebirth as a rite of passage, marking transformation and the shedding of the past. In Zambo, it is more than a performance—it embodies this cycle as well.
A glimpse into the celebration and its vibrant energy can be watched through this link, with more moments captured on my social media, including live videos available on my Facebook.
Beyond the Myths: The Truth about Zambo and Its People
As with any unique and often misunderstood tradition, the Zambo festival consistently sparks a wave of reactions on my social media. Many express curiosity and fascination, drawn to its unconventional visuals and high-energy performances. However, others share harsh, misinformed opinions, assuming the participants are outsiders or unruly groups disconnected from society.
But what I witnessed firsthand told a different story. The participants were not strangers; they were locals—young and old, families included—carrying on a tradition passed down for generations. They moved respectfully through the streets, engaging with visitors and residents. Some elderly women from the neighborhood sprinkled them with rice, just as in traditional weddings, a gesture of blessing and prosperity.
Those who asked were marked with a streak of paint on their faces, a gesture of inclusion, and while no one was spared from the festival’s essence, as paint inevitably found its way onto our clothes in the narrow alleyways, it only added to the fun of “Zamboing”.
Far from chaotic or reckless, Zambo is a structured, rhythmic, and deeply joyful event. It is not about rebellion or transgression but about unity, heritage, and tradition. The atmosphere is electric yet welcoming—an eruption of energy that never overwhelms, only invites.
The Final Plunge: A Cleansing of Color and Time
As the parade winds through the narrow streets of El Mina, the energy never wanes. Step by step, they move forward, toward the sea.
Around 1:30 p.m., a group of participants arrived at the rocky coast and, following tradition, carefully waded into the water, helping one another rub away the layers of paint. More than just a physical cleansing, it was a symbolic act of renewal, a shedding of the past, perhaps even of sins, before the start of Lent.
Zamboing: A Celebration That Could Only Exist in Lebanon
As I walked away, I realized that Zambo is more than just a spectacle; it is a living testament to Lebanon’s ever-evolving cultural expression. While the festival defies easy categorization, existing beyond the boundaries of tradition and expectation, Lebanon’s core identity remains steadfast.
Zambo is a reminder that culture is not always found in history books or official records—it thrives in the streets, in the people who keep traditions alive, and in the raw, unfiltered moments that cannot be neatly explained. It is a festival that welcomes those who seek to experience Lebanon beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, offering a glimpse into a celebration that exists nowhere else in the world.
What I uncovered was more than just the origins of a festival—I uncovered a story of resilience, adaptation, and community. And perhaps that is the essence of Lebanon itself: a land where cultures collide, evolve, and create something truly unique.
Travel isn’t just about seeing the ordinary—it’s about uncovering hidden paths, immersing in culture, and experiencing its soul from every angle.
A Visitor’s Guide to Experiencing Zambo
For those who want to immerse themselves in this one-of-a-kind festival, here’s what you need to know:
What to Wear: Dress in dark-colored clothing, as the festival’s narrow alleyways and close-knit dancing will inevitably leave traces of paint on you—even if you don’t participate directly. While participants do not deliberately color visitors unless requested, the immersive nature of the festival means that contact is unavoidable. Be prepared to send your clothes straight to the laundry afterward.
Comfortable Footwear: The streets of El Mina are narrow and uneven, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must.
Sun Protection: If you plan to follow the parade to the seafront, consider bringing a cap and sunscreen, as the open area offers little shade.
Joining the Parade: Visitors can walk alongside the parade for hours, starting around 10:00 AM. Some choose to stay for the entire experience, while others leave earlier after witnessing the energy of the event firsthand.
Have a vibrant and unforgettable Zamboing!
About Nidal Majdalani
Nidal Majdalani is a renowned travel writer, tourism expert, photographer, and explorer, celebrated for her vivid storytelling and passion for Lebanon’s exploration through her “Travelling Lebanon” initiative since 2010, supporting local communities. With over a decade of experience capturing Lebanon’s natural, cultural, historical, and culinary treasures, she is also the sole author of the Lebanon guide for Lonely Planet’s Middle East book- 2025. Through her journeys, Nidal invites readers to see Lebanon through her words and lens, showcasing its hidden gems while curating one-of-a-kind itineraries for unforgettable experiences.
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