The dance of the Tataratà
AFC TATARATA' - CC3.0
The Tataratà is an ancient dance armed with sparkling steel swords typical of the small village of Casteltermini.
It is an overwhelming dance performed by duelists still armed with real swords. Its name derives from the rhythmic sound of the drum that beats the dance. The origin of the dance is very ancient and there are different interpretations that have been given to the meaning of this dance. According to a first hypothesis, the Tataratà is a propitiation rite for the fertility of the earth. The fact that this festival is celebrated in the month of May and that the dancers wear a crown of flowers on their heads supports this hypothesis. A second hypothesis argues that it is a historical re-enactment of the dualism between the Moors and the Christians, with reference to the Arab / Muslim presence in Sicily. A third hypothesis considers that it is the dance of the flax spatulators. This last hypothesis is supported by a writing by the ethnologist Pitre: “The bizarrely dressed linen sweepers are part of the procession fighting with their sabers, bowing from time to time to one of them dressed as a king with ministers and doctors on their hips. They beat to the sound of the drum, from which the feast takes its name. "
We do not know what the origin of this dance is but this does not detract from the charm of what is considered one of the oldest folklores in the world.
It is possible to admire this incredible dance on the occasion of the feast of the Holy Cross, also known as the Festa del Tataratà, in the month of May in Casteltermini.
