Today is:   November 23

Scroll to explore events active on this date.

AD

LEEP INK FEATURES


1728055823.png

August is Appropos

  A toddler playing in the fountain at a park in Santa Fe, New Mexico—Photo LD Lewis. In August, we live through the Dog Days of Summer. It's hot and often humid, and those ...

1728055712.png

September is Sassy

  Can you hear that sigh of relief from parents worldwide? Yes! September marks the return of students to school, a global phenomenon.  Preparations for the ACT and SATs begin earnestly for ...

1728055544.png

OOH LA LA, October

    October is the busiest month for events, with 5% more happening than in May, the second most eventful month. Sailing enthusiasts will be glued to the finals of this year's Am...

About Maslenitsa, Carnival in Christian Orthodox Countries

Russia, Eastern Orthodox Countries
EVENT NAME:
Maslenitsa (RU)
EVENT CATEGORIES:
Christian , Entertainment
Food , Festivals & Fairs
Eastern Europe , Russia
Dates Active:
Begins: Mar 11, 2024
Ends: Mar 17, 2024
RESERVE TICKETS:

DESCRIPTION:

Maslenitsa, also known as Pancake Week, is the Christian Orthodox faith's version of Carnival in the days leading up to the Lenten Fast in Russian and Slavic countries. This celebration has roots in both pagan and Christian traditions and is characterized by folk rituals, performances, games, and, most notably, the making and eating of pancakes.

Maslenitsa evolved from pagan rituals honoring the Slavic deity Veles, the patron of cattle and farming. The celebration symbolized the end of winter, the anticipation of spring, fertility, new life, and a struggle between the passing winter and the coming spring. This struggle is represented through various competitive games and activities.

CELEBRATING MASLENITSA

One of the most symbolic aspects of Maslenitsa is the preparation and consumption of blini (Russian pancakes). These pancakes are significant because their round, warm, golden appearance symbolizes the sun. Russian pancakes feature different toppings, including caviar, mushrooms, jam, or sour cream. In vintage Russian culture, blini represents the sun and the cycle of birth and death.

The week-long celebration of Maslenitsa involves different activities each day. For instance, Monday welcomes Maslenitsa by making a straw figure representing winter; Tuesday involves games and performances, and Wednesday opens feasts with blini and other dishes. Thursday is known for revelry and fistfights, while Friday and Saturday are reserved for family gatherings and honoring in-laws. Sunday is Forgiveness Sunday, where people seek forgiveness to cleanse themselves before Lent.

WHY PANCAKES?

Pancakes are a symbol of pre-Lent festivities. In many cultures, the period leading up to Lenten fast in the Christian liturgical year. Celebrations include feasting on foods that the faithful will give up during Lent. Pancakes, rich in eggs, butter, and milk (traditionally restricted during Lent), are a fitting choice for this final indulgence.

In Western Christian traditions, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday) is celebrated by making and eating pancakes.

In 2002, Moscow reinvigorated the celebration of Maslenitsa with large festivals, attracting numerous visitors. The celebration includes public festivities like sledding, tug-of-war, and the burning of the Maslenitsa effigy, symbolizing the farewell to winter and the welcoming of spring. Today, Maslenitsa is a celebration of spring and a cultural event that showcases Russian traditions and customs​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

VIDEOS

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Currently, this event does not have supporting documents.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES

Currently, this event does not have supporting images.

EVENT CHAMPION

Where would you like to go now?

LAST UPDATED:

Jan 23, 2024

EVENT MANAGER:

LEEP
AD
AD

Jubilee LLC, 1712 Pioneer Avenue,Suite 2019 Cheyenne, WY 82001 +1 (484) 226 4777

Copyright © Jubilee LLC / LEEPCalendar.com 2024. All rights reserved.