La pizzica nella storia PIZZICA TARANTATA Si tratta di una danza terapeutica che ha origine nell’antichissimo rito di guarigione delle tarantate, durante la messa-esorcismo del 29 giugno che si svolgeva e tuttora si svolge, presso la cappella di San Paolo a Galatina, santo protettore di tutti coloro i quali sono morsi da animali velenosi. L’esorcismo poteva in ogni caso svolgersi anche in privato, tra le mura domestiche, con l’ausilio di tamburelli, violini, armoniche a bocca e altri strumenti musicali. La paziente (tarantata) ballava per ore in the grip of epilepsy caused by the poison, until exhausted, slumps to the ground unconscious, allowing them to rest temporarily, the agony of the poison it had not finished on time and was felt to occur next summer. For decades, we are no longer spoken of Taranto and the rites of exorcism, seen as synonymous with backwardness and shame have been removed and forgotten. Today tarantismo is essentially disappeared, and it remains only a very rich cultural heritage of hymns, legends, music and words that were rediscovered and "exported" in the rest of Italy and outside the country.
is ascertained from various historical sources that the dance and music of tarantula are tied to the ancient cult of Dionysus , then very much present in Salento. During the festivities of the people could delve into the mysteries of Dionysus.
The unbridled behavior, the licentiousness of public relations that took place reinforcing the links between the nations. That this could be helped by some "pinch" or drink, is not given to us to know. Certainly we know that after these mysteries were covered by various regulations imposed by Christianity, so the music is tied to that later was called neurasthenia that the pinch was considered the only medicine against the bite of tarante . In
Salento many years ago the population was mostly rural and lived in close contact with the earth and animals, including spiders, the tarantula. During the harvest happened to suddenly feel sick and faint. After many cases not treated by traditional medicine, it was noticed that the person in question appeared in a state of trance continuously and had no reaction except for a ball during the sound of some instruments including, most importantly, the tambourine .
Some sources indicate that the myth of the tarantula derived from the ancient Greece at the time of Zeus. The legend tells of a young girl, Arachnee , seduced by a sailor who left after the first night of love, lived while awaiting the return of his love. One morning he saw a boat approach the coast and Arachnee, made the signal agreed with its crew. The boat said he had returned. But a few meters from the port there was an attack on the boat, which was sunk, and those on board were killed. Arachnee saw the death of his love After years of waiting. Thus, his death Zeus sent it back to earth to return the wrong received, not as a girl but as a tarantula. The fundamental importance of this phenomenon is attributed to St. Paul , which appeared to tarantolati and provides for their recovery after a few days, weeks, even months.
Stories of people living who claim to have had such experiences can be found in the various areas of the Salento.
Gallon, the son of Alexander I, according to Baron-phase, these data are easily visible thanks to an inscription engraved in the frieze of the front door. He does not speak of the author of this construction, while important and suggestive, typical Renaissance style. The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is considered one of the "seven pearls" of architecture in Lecce. Inside the church are to be noted an ancient organ and paintings by value. 
