The Erdőbénye cooper's dance is a craft dance unique in Hungary, found only in the village of Erdőbénye. It is linked to the most important branch of the guild and craft industry in the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region, the cooper's craft, which produces barrels and other stave wooden containers for viticulture and winemaking.
The dance was introduced under German influence, probably brought in by coopers who settled here from Szepesség in the 19th century, and learned by journeymen traveling abroad in German-speaking areas. The cooper's dance is a ceremonial, solemn dance performed in groups by men. During the performance, the coopers dance with barrel hoops in their hands, imitating all the steps of barrel making, while also performing acrobatic elements such as spinning a glass filled with wine on the rim of a barrel hoop. The dance is closely linked to the harvest and carnival customs of the Hegyalja region. It was performed by young men at cooper's balls, typically wearing cooper's hats. Today, the community of traditional coopers mainly dances on harvest days. The dance is an integral part of the identity of Erdőbénye and the traditions of the cooper's craft.
The responsible institution for the professional coordinating of the UNESCO Convention in Hungary:
Directorate of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Hungarian Open Air Museum
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