LA 'NDREZZATA
LA 'NDREZZATA
When you think of the word “folk” in Ischia, the first thing that comes to mind is "La ‘Ndrezzata" (dialect for “intrecciata”, meaning “intertwined or woven”), the traditional & popular dance/song from the island of Ischia (more specifically from the area of the village of Buonopane), performed with wooden sticks and swords.
The origins of la 'Ndrezzata are still not clear: some say that it was introduced by the Greeks and that it displays an imitation or a parody of the art of duelling taught to young Greek soldiers. Other sources claim that the dance symbolises the fight between the inhabitants of Ischia and the Saracens invading the island from the coast of Africa.
Another version, referring to a manuscript from the sixteenth century, tells the story of a man from Barano Village and a man from Buonopane, both of whom fall in love with the same woman. The ensuing fight between the two men also involved all the inhabitants of the two towns, and it was so cruel that the Bishop had to intervene to keep the peace between the warring villagers.
The manuscript reports that peace was celebrated on Easter Monday in Buonopane and since then, on Easter Mondays and on San Giovanni’s day (the patron Saint of Buonopane), the 24th of June, the 'Ndrezzata is performed to evoke the ancient conflict and the reconciliation between the two villages.
The dance is performed by 18 dancers divided into 2 groups, dressed in typical Ischian fishermen costumes from the seventeenth century (knee length trousers, shirt , waistcoat and a long hat with a pom-pom) in the colours of the Italian flag.
The dance is accompanied by tambourines and flutes, beating the time in a gradually more energetic and fast rhythm while the dancers engage in a “fight” reciting their ritual chant in loud voice.
The tradition is passed from generation to generation and only the fathers can teach the moves and pass them in turn onto their sons.
Watching an 'Ndrezzata performance is fascinating and very engaging; it is a dance of passion, love and fighting, an ancient folk tradition that Ischia is very proud of.
The origins of la 'Ndrezzata are still not clear: some say that it was introduced by the Greeks and that it displays an imitation or a parody of the art of duelling taught to young Greek soldiers. Other sources claim that the dance symbolises the fight between the inhabitants of Ischia and the Saracens invading the island from the coast of Africa.
Another version, referring to a manuscript from the sixteenth century, tells the story of a man from Barano Village and a man from Buonopane, both of whom fall in love with the same woman. The ensuing fight between the two men also involved all the inhabitants of the two towns, and it was so cruel that the Bishop had to intervene to keep the peace between the warring villagers.
The manuscript reports that peace was celebrated on Easter Monday in Buonopane and since then, on Easter Mondays and on San Giovanni’s day (the patron Saint of Buonopane), the 24th of June, the 'Ndrezzata is performed to evoke the ancient conflict and the reconciliation between the two villages.
The dance is performed by 18 dancers divided into 2 groups, dressed in typical Ischian fishermen costumes from the seventeenth century (knee length trousers, shirt , waistcoat and a long hat with a pom-pom) in the colours of the Italian flag.
The dance is accompanied by tambourines and flutes, beating the time in a gradually more energetic and fast rhythm while the dancers engage in a “fight” reciting their ritual chant in loud voice.
The tradition is passed from generation to generation and only the fathers can teach the moves and pass them in turn onto their sons.
Watching an 'Ndrezzata performance is fascinating and very engaging; it is a dance of passion, love and fighting, an ancient folk tradition that Ischia is very proud of.
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