Karička of Parchovany

Karička of Parchovany (women’s wheel, karička of Zemplín, karička) is a female dance, the music background of which usually consists of the signing of songs compiled into a continuous chain with an increasing tempo. The dance is begun by a lead singer singing a multiple-time lead song and with clockwise spinning of a wheel that are gradually joined by other dancers. After at least one verse of the song, one of the dancers starts the opening motif and is joined by other dancers. The specific features of karička of Parchovany include its elliptical variation, reverse karička (when the dancers face out of the circle as opposed to the usual position facing inwards), and dancing in waves (the dominant dancer breaks the karička and moves it in the shape of a snake to another place and, after reuniting, the dancers continue dancing). While singing, the dancers whoop, each in her own way. The bearers of this element are women from Parchovany and its immediate surroundings, from young girls to seniors. Karička is originally a dance exhibition of women, by means of which they used to present themselves at various celebrations, e.g. during weddings, get-togethers with music, harvest festivals, spinning occassions, during the carnival period, or just during parties within the municipality. The continuity of transmission of this type of dance has weakened with the gradual disappearance of traditional dance opportunities. One of the dance opportunities that has continually provided space for karička are weddings. This ceremonial event has ensured the continuity of being passed down from generation to generation. The boom of the folklore movement has significantly contributed to the revival of the dance, in particular the activities of the folklore group Parchovianka (founded in 1971). In terms of style interpretation, the members of Parchovianka are the guarantee of preserving this dance element in its original form. This is due to the knowledge of the dance motifs and their mutual combination links. It is of great importance also to the inhabitants of the municipality, who perceive karička as an inherent part of their cultural identity through which they present themselves in their surroundings, in their region, all across Slovakia, as well as abroad.