Hire a Traditional Middle Eastern Zaffa & Dabke Group For Your Wedding or Next Event!
Updated: Sep 19, 2022
For generations, zaffa (or zaffe) and dabke (or dabka) groups have been a part of Middle Eastern wedding traditions and special occasions. There are differences between zaffa and dabke groups. There are traditional versus contemporary, local versus traveling groups, etc. Some groups offer additional features such as providing DJ and lighting services.
To schedule or inquire about a zaffa for your next event, please contact us here.
What is a Zaffa?
A Zaffa (aka Zaffe) is a traditional Middle Eastern wedding procession or march that dates back thousands of years.
Each Middle Eastern country has its own style of zaffa. The most common styles are the Lebanese, Palestinian, Egyptian, Syrian, and Jordanian zaffa.
What is a Zaffa Group?
A zaffa group is made up of professional dabke dancers, drummers, and belly dancers. The dabke dancers typically lead the grand procession for the bride and groom onto the dance floor and it's quite the entrance! There are a lot of choreographed dances that take place circling around the newlyweds while guests enjoy the entertainment while partaking in the celebration!
What is a Dabke Dance?
The dabke is a native Levantine (ie: in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, etc.) circular folk dance that means "stamping of the feet." It is a very popular dance at weddings and other large family celebrations. There are a variety of dabke styles from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and even multiple styles within each country. For example, when in Lebanon, depending on what region you are in or based on the song that is being played, a southern or northern style dabke is performed. In Jordan, there are at least 19 variations of the dabke dance!
Stamping of the feet?
"According to one folk tradition, the dance originated in the Levant where houses were built from stone with a roof made of wood, straw, and dirt. The dirt roof had to be compacted which required stomping the dirt hard in a uniform way to compact it evenly. This event of cooperation is called ta'awon and from here comes the word awneh, meaning "help." This developed into the song Ala Dalouna (Arabic: على دلعونا), roughly translated, "let's go and help". The dabke and the rhythmic songs go together in an attempt to keep the work fun and the workers energetic." [Wikipedia]
In a traditional dabke dance, there is always a leader at the head of the circle. The circle line generally forms from right to left where guests hold hands forming what is called a dabke chain. The dabke leader sets the pace of the dance and is usually the most experienced - often times showing off his or her unique dabke moves while parading around the dance floor!
A dabke song can go on for a long time, and dabke songs are usually played consecutively. To add to the fun, some dancers will enter the center of the dabke circle to dance while everyone dabke dances around them. It is a wonderful experience, especially with family and friends during a special occasion!
If you do not know how to dabke and have never been to an event such as a Middle Eastern wedding or hafli (Middle Eastern party or celebration), but you are interested in learning the basics before attending, here is a beginner video that explains the steps. Although the debke can look intimidating (especially in the video above) - don't worry, most of the chain of dancers will be dancing at a slower and controlled pace so you'll be able to easily follow along. And there are almost always many dancers participating in the dabke for the first time!
Here's a tip: when the dance begins, and everyone hits the dance floor forming the circle - just break into the middle of the line, it's expected. If you decide to take the arm of the leader, well, just get ready for a ride!
A Dabke Fun Fact
On August 7, 2011, a dabke dance of 5,500 people set the world record in the Lebanese Village of Dhour El Choueir during their summer festival.
What is Zaffa and Dabke Music?
Here's a sample of 13 popular zaffa dance music tracks. Zaffa and dabke style songs stem from traditional Middle Eastern folk music that include instruments such as:
Oud (string instrument)
Tabla (drums)
Mijwiz (reed)
Daff (tambourine)
Shubabeh (woodwind)
Modern day songs like the samples above have more digitalized beats.
In both modern and traditional dabke songs vocalists sing songs that tell a story, like a ballad, where the song is based on the type of event taking place. For example, there are dabke songs focused on a bride or groom for the celebration of their marriage.
Who is Caesar Events?
"Starting in Lebanon and reaching the US, Elias founded a performance group that provides Zaffe, live music, and other performances to entertain and enrich extravagant private events. From the traditional zaffe to contemporary performances, Caesars Events USA team provides an array of ideas, music, and costumes to serve our clients."
Read more about Caesars Events here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find a local zaffa group in my area?
In most cases, zaffa groups travel to your destination. Keep in mind that you may have to pay extra for long-distance travel and overnight accommodations.
What style of zaffa should I choose?
It can be difficult to pick from all of the choices, but ask your zaffa group what kinds of styles they offer and what would be best suited for your event. They love to make recommendations!