Why did the Tarantella start?

The Tarantella is an Italian folk dance that originated in the Apulia region of southern Italy. It is traditionally danced by couples in a circle, with the men and women facing each other. The dance is characterized by its fast tempo and lively movements, which are often accompanied by singing and the playing of traditional instruments such as the tambourine and guitar.

The Tarantella is said to have originated in the 15th century as a way to cure people who were believed to have been bitten by a tarantula spider. According to legend, the bite of the tarantula spider would cause a person to become frantic and dance uncontrollably until they collapsed from exhaustion. The Tarantella was believed to be the only way to break the spell of the spider and save the person's life.

Over time, the Tarantella evolved from a healing ritual into a popular social dance. It became particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was performed at festivals and other celebrations throughout Italy. Today, the Tarantella is still danced in many parts of Italy and is considered an important part of the country's cultural heritage.