The Tambourine

The Tambourine is a musical instrument used in the Sicilian popular tradition. It symbolizes the sun and is a folkloristic element, it was used to mark the rhythm and accompany the traditional songs typical of the island.

This instrument is made up of a few elements, simple or with different decorations, it is characterized by the wooden crown on which a leather membrane is stretched, which has slits where cymbals are applied.

These are rattles made of various metallic materials. Thanks to the hands you can obtain many effects, including "tremolo" and "trillo". Today it has become an icon of Sicily.

 

The Tarantellas are accompanied by this cheerful musical instrument. In ancient times it was used exclusively by men while in the popular tradition of Agrigento, it is instead used by women to dance and maintain the rhythm during dances.