Last week, the seven-day folk festival Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, was celebrated across Russia.
Last week, the seven-day folk festival Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, was celebrated across Russia.
The essence of all Maslenitsa traditions is driving winter away and awaking nature.
Pancakes are the main symbols of Maslenitsa. They symbolize the summer sun.
The tradition of frying pancakes can be traced to the ancient times, when pagans called on Jarilo, the god of vegetation, fertility and spring, to drive winter away.
Horseback riding, sliding down icy slopes, jumping over the bonfire, storming a snow town and other games are all part of this festival.
The celebrations also feature traditional Russian folk music, dancing and theater performances.
Playful fist fighting in Yaroslavl.
Maslenitsa festivities in St. Petersburg.
Man climbing a pole for a gift during Maslenitsa festivities in Samara.
Girl at Maslenitsa festivities in Petrozavodsk (Karelia).
Women wearing national costumes at Maslenitsa festivities in Kazan.
Maslenitsa festivities in Nizhny Novgorod.
Another Maslenitsa symbol is a female straw dummy representing winter. It is burnt on the last day of festivities.
