Once upon a time when the fairy tales were told by the fireplace they were strictly connected with the popular belief in magic and witchcraft. Some religious ceremonies based on pagan rites that are still performed, are a mix of belief and superstition, Christian and pagan elements, archaic and modern ceremonies.
The tarantula hypnotic frantic dance supposedly provoked by the bite of a poisonous spider or better by violence and sexual frustration create a particularly involving atmosphere. In fact when the tamburine men play the "pizzica" ( the original version of tarantella) you feel inside yourself the unrestraining need to move and dance with the tarantula dancers.
Music is considered both sacred and therapeutic and recalls ancient Greek mythological figures such as Orpheus the loving husband and Dyonisus the god of wine.
Greek and Byzantine influences still persist in the Grecìa Salentina area, a partnership of nine towns, and in some religious monuments.
In fact the Byzantine ecclesiastical organization issued by Emperor Niceforo Foca in his edict of 968 was so strong that the use of the Byzantine liturgy, in some towns, lasted until the end of the seventeenth century.
In the Grecìa Salentina known as the Greek speaking area, griko is spoken and studied as well as Greek traditions and culture.