Maslenitsa week is set to commence on February 24, 2025, marking one of Russia's most cherished folk celebrations. This six-day festival serves as both the final farewell to winter and a festive welcome to spring, rich with traditions and community spirit.
According to reports, Maslenitsa is not just about the joys of indulgent eating but also about fostering positive energy, forgiving past grievances, and greeting the new season with joy. It transforms everyday life as people engage with age-old customs meant to usher warmth back to the earth after months of cold.
This vibrant week is divided between Narrow Maslenitsa, which lasts from Monday to Wednesday, and Wide Maslenitsa, which spans from Thursday through Sunday. Each day hosts its own unique set of activities and rituals, crafting a week filled with laughter, family gatherings, and much more.
On the first day, Sunday, dubbed "Vstrecha" (Meeting), families kick off the week by preparing pancakes—those beloved bliny. Traditionally, these pancakes symbolize prosperity and are shared with family, neighbors, and sometimes left outside for ancestors to honor their memory. It's considered auspicious to meet Maslenitsa with joy and warmth, setting the tone for the days to come.
The following day, Tuesday, is known as "Zaigryshi" (Flirtation). This day is all about fun, with youngsters engaging in games and courting—unmarried boys traditionally invite girls to slide down hills and share pancakes afterward. The ambiance is festive and filled with laughter, with street entertainers adding to the merriment.
Wednesday, referred to as "Lakomhka" (Delicacy), offers traditional visits to mothers-in-law for delightful pancake feasts. This culinary exchange proves significant for the family ties, showcasing the importance of hospitality and respect among relatives. Expect tables laden with pancakes, pastries, and various delectable treats—a true expression of Russian hospitality.
Thursday, or "Razgulyay" (Fun Thursday), marks the transition to Wide Maslenitsa, bringing with it large-scale celebrations. Here, entire communities come together for fairs filled with games, music, and spirited performances. This is when the party really picks up, with horse-drawn sleds and outdoor dances becoming common scenes. It's considered unlucky to sit alone at home, as it’s said this could lead to misfortune for the entire year.
On Friday, designated as "Teshchiny Vechorki" (Mother-in-law’s Evenings), sons-in-law invite their mothers-in-law for hearty pancake meals. A show of generosity and abundance at the table symbolizes strong family bonds, creating opportunities for mischief and light-hearted storytelling among the guests.
The penultimate day, Saturday—"Zolovkinye Posidelki" (Sister-in-law’s Gatherings)—focuses on women inviting their sisters-in-law for friendship and camaraderie. The gatherings are marked by sharing recipes, stories, and laughter, reinforcing social bonds among families.
Maslenitsa culminates on Sunday with "Proshchyonoye Voskressenye" (Forgiveness Sunday), when people seek forgiveness from one another, closing doorways to negative sentiments before the 40 days of Lent commence. The day is marked by the symbolic burning of the Maslenitsa effigy, representing the departure of winter, followed by festive activities and communal gatherings.
According to cultural folklore, various omens and superstitions accompany the celebrations, such as the belief about how the first pancake’s form might symbolize the upcoming year. A perfect pancake foretells abundance, whereas one with holes might indicate upcoming challenges. These traditions are all part of what makes Maslenitsa resonate so deeply with the spirits of both young and old alike.
Throughout its festivities, Maslenitsa remains prominent, with approximately 70% of Russians engaging with its celebrations, indicating the enduring values and traditions cherished within Russian culture. The holiday serves as not just a culinary indulgence but as means of gathering families, friends, and communities, emphasizing the age-old adage: Celebrate together, forgive generously, and welcome spring with open arms!