Maslenitsa
February 20-26, 2017

Maslenitsa (also known as Butter Week, Crepe Week) is the oldest surviving Slavic folk holiday.

The fun festival celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Pancakes (rus: Блины [Blini]) are usually baked in large quantities and shared among friends and family to symbolize the sun and warmth. Maslenitsa lasts for up to one week. The burning of the effigy is the traditional culmination of the festival.