L’ndrezzata (pronounced lan-drey-zzata) is a characteristic popular dance that has been preserved and passed down through the centuries in the town of Barano on the island of Ischia.The name of the dance—l’ndrezzata in dialect and l’intrecciata in Italian—derives its origin from the crescendo of unbridled movements and swift, orchestrated swings of clubs, which appear to be “intertwined” into a frenzied dance that is reminiscent of historical combat.
The traditional dance is performed with 18 dancers, a clarinet player, a tambourine player, and a “corporal.” Half the dancers sport a red vest and a white shirt with a green sash, while the other half don white shirts and green vests with red sashes. All performers wear white pants and socks. Each dancer holds a club (mazzariello) and a wooden sword (spada).
The clothing recalls what the fishermen wore back in the 1500’s.
Photos Procession Sant'Alessandro, Ischia, Public Domain.
