The "Canti di Passione" in Grecìa Salentina emerge as an ancient tradition, rich in emotions and spirituality, intertwined with the celebrations of the Holy Week, recounting stories of passion, love, and faith.
The "Songs of Passion" in the Grecìa Salentina: a profound cultural expression
The Grecìa Salentina preserves a unique tradition passed down through the centuries: the "Songs of Passion". This form of artistic and cultural expression manifests through popular and traditional songs that weave stories of passion, love, and faith.
The narrative of the Songs of Passion
Closely tied to religious festivities, the Songs of Passion trace back to past centuries, to the rituals of the Griko area, traditional events, religious rites, and sacred folk songs that characterized Holy Week. Performed in both Griko and Romance languages, they represent popular piety and the most complex form through which people express their mysticism and the need to communicate with the divine.
They narrate the life and death of Christ, offering a profound account of faith, with symbolism moving from death to rebirth. These songs represent a strong and direct connection with divinity through dialect, a mystical experience involving the community.
The Greek area of Salento preserves a vast heritage of words, customs, and traditions that harken back to the South Balkan area. The Salentine Greek language, Griko, helps preserve the community's unique cultural identity, also reflected in traditional songs.
The Mattinate
The "Mattinate" are a traditional practice that involves the performance of the "Songs of Passion" during the early hours of the morning throughout Holy Week, along the streets of towns and cities. This practice involves not only singers but also musicians playing traditional instruments such as the "laouto" and the "tamburello".
Traditional songs are a spiritual journey through the centuries, a ritual blending belief and tradition, rite and folklore. The emotion of these songs, with their deep connection to history and faith, makes this cultural heritage unique and indispensable for the community and anyone seeking an authentic experience in the Grecìa Salentina.
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