Moscow Kicks Off 'Pancake Week' With Song, Dance and Blini
Moscow is currently in the midst of one of Russia’s most fun and light-hearted holidays — Maslenitsa, better known as Pancake Week.
Maslenitsa has its roots in pagan tradition, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring with brilliant bonfires. Today, Maslenitsa is a widely celebrated folk holiday with plenty of blini — Russia’s crepe-like version of pancake — to symbolize the newly returned sun.
From Feb. 21-March 1, Muscovites can embrace the maslenitsa mood with a packed schedule of festive activities, countless blini and the burning of a straw man.
Here’s a look at the celebrations as they get underway:
Maslenitsa has its roots in pagan tradition, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring with brilliant bonfires. Today, Maslenitsa is a widely celebrated folk holiday with plenty of blini — Russia’s crepe-like version of pancake — to symbolize the newly returned sun.
From Feb. 21-March 1, Muscovites can embrace the maslenitsa mood with a packed schedule of festive activities, countless blini and the burning of a straw man.
Here’s a look at the celebrations as they get underway:
Though Maslenitsa has its roots in pagan rituals, the holiday became part of Russian Orthodox Christian tradition and is now celebrated during the week before Lent.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
Maslenitsa festivities officially end with the burning of a straw man — an act that symbolizes the beginning of spring.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
It's not Maslenitsa unless you've eaten your fill of blini.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
During this year's celebrations in Moscow, there will be 210 varieties of the tasty pancakes. Can you try them all?
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
Moscow has set up 29 spots for celebrating Maslenitsa in the city center and in residential areas where Muscovites can watch concerts, play games and take part in workshops.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
The main Maslenitsa activities take place at Manezhnaya Square, right next to Red Square.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
This year's celebrations welcomed some visitors from abroad. Performers from Italy, Hungary and Bulgaria showed off their own national costumes, folk traditions and songs.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
