Il Ballo Di San Vito

Vinicio Capossela's song "Il Ballo Di San Vito" is a vivid and intense portrayal of a traditional Southern Italian festival, infused with elements of mysticism, cultural identity, and existential struggle. The lyrics paint a picture of a vibrant, chaotic scene filled with food, dancing, and the ever-present wind from Africa, symbolizing the region's historical and cultural crossroads. The imagery of sausages, liver, and dancing torches against a flaming church backdrop sets the stage for a celebration that is both earthy and spiritual.

The recurring mention of "Il Ballo di San Vito" refers to a historical dance associated with St. Vitus, often linked to a form of dance mania or tarantism, where participants would dance uncontrollably, believed to be a cure for the bite of the tarantula spider. This dance becomes a metaphor for the uncontrollable forces within the human spirit, the struggle against inner demons, and the quest for liberation. The lyrics describe a communal experience where both young and old are 'bitten' by the tarantula, caught in a cycle of opening and closing circles, symbolizing the inescapable nature of their plight.

Capossela's use of vivid, almost surreal imagery, such as the voodoo circle and the dance of swords, further emphasizes the song's themes of struggle and release. The repeated plea to "scaccia il diavolo" (chase away the devil) underscores the desperation to rid oneself of inner turmoil and find peace. The song's conclusion, with the rolling stone that gathers no moss, encapsulates the restless, unending journey of life, where stability and peace remain elusive. Through this frenetic dance, Capossela captures the essence of human resilience and the perpetual fight against the forces that seek to bind us.