La tarantela
If there is something that the Italian regions of Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Molise and Sicilia have in common, it is a dance with a curious choreography and a very particular rhythm: La Tarantela.
La Tarantela has many interesting nuances and a curious origin dating back to the Middle Ages, in some parts of southern Italy it was believed that dancing it cured a type of madness produced by the bite of the tarantula. However, it was no more than popular beliefs motivated by the fear of the inhabitants of this arachnid. The name “Tarantela” comes from the Italian city of Taranto.
This dance of Neapolitan origin is currently considered a form of courtship between couples. The music of this dance is very fast, the rhythm is marked by the castanets and the drum. Those who danced it pretended to be “poisoned”, dancing agitated, until fatigue made them stop. The suit that man uses consists of: White shirt, Phrygian cap, dark waistcoat, colored sash, dark trousers, knee length or down, white stockings, sneaker tape (for shorts) or shoe.
In the case of women, it is distinguished by wearing: White shirt, black apron, colored skirt, white stockings, slippers or shoe, but perhaps the most important thing is that the skirt should be vibrant colors. The colorful and typical dress, it is synchronized with the fast movements and the care with which the musicians take notes of their instruments. The accordion, tambourine, mandolin, clarinet and drums confirm the strength, nostalgia and sensitivity of a dance based on Italian traditions and beliefs.
The most important folkloric Italian event is the annual festival called “La notte della Taranta” (the night of Taranta), where the best typical national dance groups participate in a festive atmosphere. It is usually held in August, in the squares of the main towns that make up the area called “Grecia Salentina”, in the south of the Apulia region (the heel of Italy).
If you come to visit Italy during these dates, we advise you not to miss such a magnificent event, to enjoy both this dance, but above all the language, that surely being in our courses will not be a problem to continue learning about the Italian towns, the people and their culture.
