The sound of passion
The craft that sounds the most
The artisanal construction of the Baena drum maintains a trade that is passed down from generation to generation.
The thunderous sound of the drums gives peculiarity to Holy Week in Baena
Its craftsmanship continues to be maintained despite the passage of time
The unique sound that accompanies the celebrations of the Passion in Baena, was declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and arises from the thousands of drums or “boxes” that are still being made in the town following craft techniques passed down from generation to generation. in generation.
The traditional Baena drum is completely handmade. Once its different components are ready, it is prepared or “tightened” by pulling a rope that surrounds it in a zigzag pattern and that makes two armeso wood hoops tighten two skins (“skins”) placed on the top and bottom of a gilt brass cylinder called the bottom. This, together with the “shriekers”, which are threads made of pig gut, will give it the peculiar sound that characterizes it.
The manufacture of drums is continuous throughout the year, although it intensifies from the months of September and October in order to cover the demand of the neighbors, which will be greater for Lent and the eve of San José (March 18) , dates on which they will begin to be heard through the streets of Baena as a prelude to the Holy Week celebrations.
The process of making the drum has different phases related to each of the elements that compose it. In this way, the tanning of the skins or giving the curved shape to the rings, both tasks that require special dedication, are carried out beforehand so that all the pieces are ready for the moment of assembly with which the finished manufacturing.
Some craft workshops can be visited by making an appointment
MASTER HANDS AT THE SERVICE OF A TRADITION
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