The 'Ndrezzata

The typical dance of the island of Ischia. The 'Ndrezzata of 1948. The theories regarding the origins of this dance and its importance on the island are numerous. There is who says, for example, which has Greek origin, and who sees its roots in Spain. It is well known that similar dances are typical in Egypt, Sudan, Poland and various Italian locations: Sorrento, Arezzo, Sicilia. The historical sources available are two: a text preserved in the Antoniana Library of Ischia where is

cited an ode of 1600 by Filippo Sgruttendio in vogue in Benevento: "a Cecca - invitation to see the Ntrezzata" a manuscript, found in the sacristy of the church of San Giovanni Battista in Buonopane, which tells of the intervention of the Bishop in order to resolve a dispute (which also caused the deaths) among the inhabitants of the district Buonopane and those ones of Barano. It is said that two men, Rocc'none from Barano and Giovannone from Buonopane, courting the same woman. Rocc'none was a sailor and during one of his travels he had bought a sash (or shawl, there are doubts about) as a gift to his beloved. No one else had the sash, so when the betrayed lover saw Giovannone wear it, challenged him to resolve the matter between men near the bridge that divides the two countries. Around 1930 was made the first costume, inspired by the past of ordinary people, mostly fishermen. The fabrics were poor and to save the stuff the sleeves of the shirts were sewn to the cloth waistcoat, secured by a double row of buttons; pants came below the knees, with strings connected end to end and were shod leather sandals. In the late 50s Ischia is subject to a strong focus by many tourists. Among these families, Rizzoli and Malcovati, particularly interested in local folklore. Recognizing the 'Ndrezzata a cultural value and a valid entertainment, proposing a partnership between the different interpretations of the island. From Trallera of Fontana import the parade or serenade, from the Ndrezzata of Campagnano the sermon, from Braided of Forio fisherman costumes, from Mascarata of Buonopane the choreography of the dance. To the costume, inspired by the Italian flag, are added to the collar and the ball to the hat, are sewn velvet (green and red) and leather shoes are the shape of a courtier. From the folk tradition 'Ndrezzata becomes entertainment with the school of Folklore.

'Ndrezzata Gruppo Folk

Official folk dance group of Ischia with 8 dancers ('ntrezzaturi), four players, two wind instruments (clarinets) and two tammorre.