Have you ever been told the history of Taranta? It is a traditional dance of Salento.
This dance was named after the tarantula, the spider that we all know.
In fact, it was anciently thought that the bite of this spider provoked the tarantism, a disorder characterised by an altered level of consciousness, convulsions and uncontrolled movements.
The disorder really exists and it is a subject of psychiatric and psychological interest, but spiders are not responsible for it.
Anyway, dancing wildly was thought to be the most effective method to cure patients, because in this way they could work off their surplus energy and restore balance.
What was conceived as a therapy, became later a traditional dance that was bound to last for centuries.
In fact, the so-called “Night of Taranta” is today a renowned event that takes place in Melpignano every august, to celebrate this folk dance.
So… don’t lose time! Come in Puglia and dance wildly!