Romanians have danced Coceks from ancient times, but without knowing it. They call them by different name—Maneaua, Dana, Lăutereasca and Ţigăneaşte, for example. There is, however, one major characteristic that sets them apart from Cocek dances and that is they are done without ever holding hands. They may or may not have a leader. Arad is one of the 41 judeţe or administrative divisions of Romania. This department is located in the western part of the country, neighboring on Hungary (to the west) and the judeţe of Bihor (to the north), Alba (to the east), Hunedoara (to the south-east) and Timiş (to the south). Arad straddles two regions, Transylvania and Banat. The first documentary reference to the area dates back to the year 1028. The seat of this judeţ bears the same name. The prosperous, modern city of Arad is an industrial centre and an important rail transportation hub because of its location. It is an interesting place to visit because of its many remarkably beautiful buildings and diverse
architectural styles reflecting the influences and invasions it was subjected to over the centuries: the Mongol invasion of the Kingdom of Hungary (1241), the Ottoman Empire occupation (1551), domination by the Austrian Habsburg monarchy (1699). The population is made up mostly of people of Romanian origin and also of different ethnic groups (Hungarians, Rom, Germans, Serbs) who enrich the local folklore with their traditions.

Presented by Sonia Dion & Cristian Florescu in 2008. View pdf here.