ZAKARPATTIA/TRANSCARPATHIA

Ukraine’s most westerly region serves as a crossroads where Hungarian, Polish, Romanian and Slovakian borders all meet. This region, located in the Carpathian Mountains and along the Danube lowlands, is rich in natural resources, and well-known for its friendly and hospitable people.

Women’s costumes consist of a very full skirt that flares outwards towards the knee, while men wear narrow legged pants. Both women and men wear blouses and shirts respectively with bright floral embroidery under small vests that only cover the upper torso. Polish and Slovak influences are quite visible in Transcarpathian costuming. Choreography includes rhythmic foot work and clapping along with twisting motions and high steps.