Maslenitsa Begins

Except for New Years in Russia, Maslenitsa is probably my favorite holdiday! One of my favorite Russian foods is Blini, so that is probably a big reason why I like Maslenitsa so much, but not the only reason. 

Maslenitsa is a religious and folk holiday celebrated the week before the great Lent, which is the 7th week before Easter. Maslenitsa is similar to the Western Christian Carnaval, but Lent begins on Monday in the Orthodox Chruch instead of Wednesday. This year Maslenitsa will be celebrated from Feb. 20th to the 26th.

Maslenitsa is one of the oldest holidays in Russia, begining with both pagan and religious traditions and relating to Slavic mythology where the sun is worshiped and the end of winter is celebrated.

As a Christian holiday Maslenitsa is the last day before Lent. For Orthodox believers meat is forbidden during Maslentisa as well as Lent, so it is the last week before Lent when dairy products are allowed, hince the common name of Pancake week, people eat as many pancakes as they can because they wont be allowed to during Lent.

During Orthodox Lent, parties, secular music, dancing and other things that distract the spiritual life are forbidden. Therefore Maslenitsa is filled with big festivals and lots of games throughout the week.

If you're in St. Petersburg, there will be lots of celebrations throughout the city. One big one that is very popular is held on Yelagin Island! Check it out and partake in the Russian tradition of Maslenitsa!