Pancakes Flip and Fires Roar over Maslenitsa 2019
Over the past week, Russia celebrated the pre-Lent festival known as Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week. Besides an abundance of blini (pancakes) served, it all came to an end with traditional bonfires across the country.
Here's a look at the fun and fire that took place over the weekend.
Here's a look at the fun and fire that took place over the weekend.
For ambitious youth, attempting to climb a large pillar is one of the traditional contests on offer during Maslenitsa.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency
Another game involves capturing the town of the opposing team: one team protects, the other team invades.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency
Traditional blini pancakes symbolize the bright sun. In winter, there's an obvious need to eat lots of them.
Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
The festival finds its roots in a combination of Christianity and paganism. In earlier times, old things were thrown into the fire to represent renewal and a removal of sadness and sin.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva News Agency
A popular spot for Muscovites to gather is Gorky Park, where a five-meter-tall straw boot was burned.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
A giant wooden tower inspired by the Bastille was burned at the Maslenitsa folk festival celebration in Nikola-Lenivets, Kaluga region. The festival itself carried the theme of the French Revolution.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
Traditionally, this holiday is aimed at awakening spring and chasing away winter. Less pancakes, more fun!
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
