Since ancient times Aggius has always been the protagonist in popular traditions, turning every moment of festivity and celebration in an important process of socialization and cultural expression. The dancing tradition has always been present in the life of the village, where “it is always the right time to make the round dance in friendship”, as the same inhabitants of Aggius say.
The first official release of an organized group of dancers, which together with the famous choir performed in Florence in front of the King and the Minister of Culture, dates back to 1926. During the years outputs both in Italy and abroad were performed, especially during 60s when the dance group represented Italy during the Universal Exhibition in Brussels and also in one of the first sessions of the United Europe, which later became the European Community.
The dance tradition went on over the years, even without performing during corporate events, but only during the celebrations and local festivals.
2002 was the decisive year for the birth of the current Associazione Gruppo Folk di Aggius, created to provide continuity and official nature to the tradition still alive in the country. Group’s main purpose is to promote, foster and re-evaluate all aspects of the culture and traditions of Sardinia through studies and research, with emphasis on the songs and traditional dances of Gallura. The collaboration with schools, local authorities and other institutions, both foreign and national ones, who are interested in popular culture, is important.
Lastly, the Folk Group maintains relations with the municipal authorities and other local associations, to encourage the organization of folklore and social demonstrations.
Since 2005, the association has also set additional goals, including:
• The establishment of a dance school for children between 6 and 14 years;
• The organization of at least an annual event with the participation of island, national and international groups, in order to promote the socio-cultural exchange between different domestic and foreign folklore realities;
• The establishment of an in-depth course of diatonic accordion, symbol of Sardinian dance, with direct testimonies of various Sardinian diatonic accordion players;
The Ministry of Cultural Heritage officially recognized the importance of the activities undertaken by the cultural association in 2011 with the appointment of “National interest group”.
Info and contacts
Associazione Gruppo Folk Aggius
via Frati de Addis, 36 – 07020 Aggius (OT)
Tel. +39 340 8243523
E-mail: info@gruppofolkaggius.com
Web site: www.gruppofolkaggius.com
Facebook page: gruppo folk Aggius
