Tarantella/ Pizzica

A southern Italian dancing 

One very traditional Italian dance is the Tarantella or Pizzica. Consider that the very first historical sources dates back to the 17th century in the province of Taranto and then the dance seemed to have extended to the Kingdom of the two Sicilies in the 19th century. The phenomenon of tarantella derives its name from the Lycosa Tarantula, which was a poisonous spider able to cause an excessive dynamism on the body of the people, who were affected by his bite. 

It originated in Taranto, in the apulian Provence, and then it extended until Sicily.

Last year, in 2024, Malta was the protagonist of the Ritmu Festival, which invited the notorious band from Catania, I CASENTULI, a band  of traditional Sicilian instruments. I Casentuli exhibited themselves in various workshops, inspiring the spectators through their canti and their dancings. In particular ,the first night, the band of old Sicilian instruments, performed in Strada Stretta, which is very well known street in Valletta.  In Strada Stretta , Giorgio , the player of old Sicilian tamburello and fiscaletto, did a workshop about these instruments. After the very pleasant and joyful workshop, we moved downstairs where the main danzate needed to take place. 

Simona , the singer of the band, started explaining the procedure of the 'Tarantella or Pizzica', which involves the participants to set in a relatively medium circle. Once the circle is created and  the music starts, individuals steps on one feet and then on the other. As soon as the rhythm increases, also the steps follow and individuals start turning around and taking under arm the person next to them. This joyful dancing is a way to share an artistic commitment together. Tarantella or Pizzica crafts an atmosphere of explosive and passional energy dictated by the love for the musicality and movement.