For three days  from the 23rd to the 25th of July  Lutsk was abuzz, enchanting with the distinctive art of folk dances at the IX International Festival "Polissian Summer with Folklore." This event gathered a large family of admirers of folklore heritage from all corners of the globe. Lutsk residents and guests of the city had a unique opportunity to touch the pearls of culture from seven countries of the world. \nThe performances of the groups "Chameleonik Morris Men" from England and "Dancers from the Rocky Mountains" (USA, state of Colorado) will be long remembered by audiences. Charming girls from Thailand in bright national costumes captivated the public with their grace. Genuine admiration was evoked by the temperamental dances of the Spanish ensemble "Xacarandaina." Bright, unforgettable moments were given to Lutsk residents by the group "Hay-fem" from Turkey. And the artists from India simply enchanted with their exotic attire, melodious songs, and the plasticity of their dances. \nThe Ukrainian folklore was represented by three ensembles. With genuine ovations, audiences greeted the distinctive artists from the Carpathian Mountains in unique concert costumes made of sheep's wool and leather  the "Hutsuly" group from Ivano-Frankivsk region. And the performances of the hosts  the children's ensembles "Volynianochka" and "Radist"  had long been beloved by Lutsk residents and guests of the city. \n For three days, thousands of residents of the regional center enjoyed the distinctive art of the peoples of the world, as folklore groups performed at almost all concert venues in the city. Lutsk residents greatly enjoyed dancing and celebrating together with the festival participants. Once again the truth was confirmed  art has no borders and needs no translation. \nTime flew by unnoticed. July 25th  the last festival day. The participants of the event marched in a farewell parade through the city streets to the "Avangard" stadium, where the ceremonial closing of "Polissian Summer with Folklore" took place. The groups for the last time gifted Lutsk residents with the rhythms and melodies of their native lands. And when absolutely all festival participants together with "Volynianochka" danced the "Polissian Polka" and sang "Volyn moia," the stadium erupted in applause. \nOne can say with certainty that "Polissian Summer with Folklore"  is an event that unites us with the whole world. And if, upon returning home, its participants at the word "Ukraine" will remember not only Chornobyl, the Klitschko brothers, and Andriy Shevchenko, but also the ancient city of Lutsk, then in this, without a doubt, will be the festival's merit. And we, Volyn residents, will keep warm memories in our hearts and await the new festival, which will take place in 2006. \n