elftéssel

Elftéssel is a traditional Hungarian folk dance that originated in the eastern regions of the country, particularly in the Szatmár-Bereg and Hajdú-Bihar counties. The dance is performed by a group of men, typically wearing traditional Hungarian folk attire, including wide-brimmed hats, long coats, and breeches. The elftéssel is characterized by its lively and energetic steps, which are often accompanied by the sound of a tambourine or other percussion instruments.

The dance is performed in a circle, with the dancers moving in and out of the center of the circle, while also moving in a clockwise direction. The steps are complex and require a high degree of coordination and synchronization among the dancers. The elftéssel is often performed at folk festivals, weddings, and other social events, and is an important part of Hungarian cultural heritage.

The elftéssel is also known as the "dance of the elves" in English, although the name is not entirely accurate. The term "elves" is believed to have originated from the Hungarian word "elf" or "elfi," which means "small" or "little." The dance is also sometimes referred to as the "dance of the little ones" or the "dance of the young men."

The elftéssel is an important part of Hungarian cultural heritage, and is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hungary by UNESCO. The dance is also performed by Hungarian communities around the world, and is an important part of the cultural identity of the Hungarian diaspora.