Southern Italian folk music and dance, with its lively rhythms, passionate melodies and deep-rooted traditions, has offered a vibrant glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage with a series of performances in Bahrain.
Themes of love, work, nature and celebration are woven through energetic dances like the ‘Tarantella’ and the sounds of instruments like the tambourine, accordion and putipù, explained Sara Fiorina Colonna and Giuseppe Delle Donne, renowned performers seeking to popularise the music of their homeland.
“These traditions, passed down through generations, continue to captivate audiences with their authenticity and infectious energy,” Ms Colonna added.
This vibrant cultural expression recently took centre stage in Bahrain as part of the annual Spring of Culture festival. ‘Breeze of Tarantella: A Journey through Southern Italy’ at the Cultural Hall transported attendees through the rich heritage of regions like Puglia, Campania, Calabria and Basilicata.
The event, a collaboration between the Italian Embassy in Manama and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), featured performances by Sara Fiorina Colonna, Mariangela Recchia, Giuseppe Delle Donne and Tommaso Massarelli.
“I believe that our folklore and traditional dances have much in common with Bahrain, starting with the use of percussion instruments and their shared purpose of celebrating key moments of traditional life,” said Italian Ambassador Andrea Catalano. “This is a beautiful tribute to Southern Italy that we are keen to promote and share with our Bahraini friends.”
At the reception are, from left, Mr Delle Donne, Ms Colonna, Mr Catalano, Ms Recchia and Mr Massarelli
The cultural exchange continued the following day with a reception hosted by Ambassador Catalano at his residence in Saar. An impromptu performance by the artists delighted guests.
“We’re really proud to have participated yesterday and again today in the events of the Spring of Culture hosted by Bahrain,” Ms Colonna added. “We’re bringing a sample of Italian music, folklore and culture to highlight the bonds between our two countries.”
Ms Recchia explained that the show aimed to introduce the unique sounds of Southern Italy, from Naples to Basilicata, to a new audience. “Art forms like music and dance convey emotions and foster connection,” she said. “There are so many things that unite us and that are relatable to the people of the two countries. We want to explore the potential for more cultural exchange.”
She added: “Yesterday was a more formal event. Today everybody had fun, everybody danced, everybody sang. It was nice, it suggested and demonstrated the unity and the commonality that we have. I’m hoping to expand this further in the next months and years, to involve more people, to bring Bahraini people closer to Italian tradition in music. So, we can deepen the relationship and the understanding between the two peoples.”
Mr Delle Donne spoke of continuing his family’s musical traditions, emphasising the importance of preserving cultural heritage, particularly music involving everyday items. He highlighted the connection between traditional practices and the natural world, noting a renewed interest in traditional music among younger generations, driven by appreciation rather than nostalgia.
“These traditions are deeply rooted in local communities, passed down through generations, and often associated with specific festivals and rituals,” he added.
While some forms have evolved and adapted, Southern Italian folk music and dance continue to be popular due to their strong connection to regional identity, their infectious energy and their ability to evoke a sense of shared heritage.
According to Mr Delle Donne, the enduring appeal lies in their authenticity and their capacity to connect people to the past while remaining relevant in contemporary society.
Mr Massarelli detailed the array of instruments used, including tambourines, castanets, accordions, violins, guitars, the tricchebballacche, putipù, cucchiare, fischiotto, zigde-zagde, harmonicas and mandolins.
He explained the unique nature of instruments like the ‘tricchebballacche’, a wooden percussion instrument, and the ‘putipù’, a friction drum. He also highlighted the ubiquitous tambourine, a frame drum with a rich history.
Dances, such as the Tarantella, are often energetic and expressive, with intricate footwork and dramatic gestures.
The Tarantella’s history, Mr Massarelli noted, is a fascinating one. With roots potentially tracing back to Greek influences, the music was originally used for healing before evolving into a popular cultural expression in Southern Italy.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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