Written by: Pietro Mocco, Japneet Kaur, Gianvito Pappagallo II from Italy
Thanks to the origins and knowledge of our friend, originally from Puglia, we decided to talk to you about the tarantella. The tarantella is a typical Italian dance and comes in various forms.
The first we’ll explain is the Apulian tarantella: in Puglia, the tarantella is not just a dance, but a cornerstone of cultural identity, manifested primarily through the Pizzica, a variant born in Salento and linked to the ancient ritual of tarantism. The Apulian tarantella has its roots in a popular belief related to the bite of the tarantula.Although often co
nfused with a single style, there are several regional variations:
- Pizzica-Pizzica: It is the quintessential festive dance, danced in pairs (not necessarily between a man and a woman).
- Pizzica Tarantata: The ritual form linked to tarantism, now almost entirely lost in its original form.
- Gargano Tarantella: Typical of the Vieste and Monte Sant’Angelo area, it is distinguished by its slower rhythms and the use of the chitarra battente.
The music is characterized by a distinctive rhythm that features many instruments.
Tambourine: The main instrument, which marks the heartbeat of the dance.
- Violin and Accordion: They provide the melody and tonal variations that guide the dancers.
- Guitar and Cupa Cupa: Used to enrich the harmonic and rhythmic foundation.
Their costumes are:
Girls” dresses for the tarantella are usually all red, like this one, or a red skirt with a black shirt. Men’s costumes for the tarantella almost always include a white Tshirt with a dark red shirt, gray pants, and a scarf around the cob and neck.
