The Rhythms of Salento - Antico Camino - Bed and Breakfast nel Salento

The Rhythms of Salento

Welcome in the tarantula's land

The phenomenon of Tarantism

One of the most ancient traditions of Salento is: La Pizzica , a music associated with the phenomenon of Tarantism, that seems to have its origins in the darker reaches of time. The music was used as a therapy. The “tarantata” (woman bitten by a tarantula) went into a trance and had to carry on her frenzied dance until the opison had been overcome and she was delivered the from her suffering.This ancient phenomenon has been studied by many anthropologists. Today there is a rediscovery of “Pizzica”, an ethnic music which

Pizzica Dancer

carries away everything and everyone, with rhythms as old and strong as the land. Everyone who hears it is captured by its tantalising rhythm and sound.

Important musical events:

28th June,at Galatina ( Lecce )- Festival of St. Peter and St. Paul patrons of people afflicted by tarantism ‘’if you are lucky, you can see tarantati’’ en scene.

14-15th August at Torre Paduli – Festival of St. Rocco - La lunga notte delle spade – (The long night of the sword). On this occasion musicians from all over Salento come to play “Pizzica Scherma ,a rhythm used by dancers to simulate a sword duel.

From 16th August until the 27th at Melpignano - Le notti della taranta – (The nights of the tarantula) – a kind of “Pizzica” festival where many European tribal rhythms cam be heard and compared at Melpignano - Le notti della taranta – (The nights of the tarantula) – a kind of “Pizzica” festival where many European tribal rhythms cam be heard and compared

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