Spring is officially on the horizon as Moscow and Petrograd prepare to celebrate the vibrant festival of Maslenitsa—a week-long, culturally rich event filled with music, performances, and of course, pancakes. Kicking off the festivities starting March 1, 2025, residents and visitors alike will experience traditional folk concerts, engaging play performances, interactive workshops, and, most delightfully, the chance to indulge in an array of delicious blini.
The main festivities are centered around Manezhnaya Square, where March 1 will see back-to-back performances by the folk-rock group Zagadka Yeva at 11 AM, followed by the folk singer Peevchaya at 4 PM. The excitement continues on March 2 when BELOBOKA, known for their innovative blend of Russian folk and electronic music, will take the stage at 4 PM.
A highlight for families and children will be performances showcasing festive themes, such as the ethnomusic theater “Uchenyi Medved” presenting “Maslenitsa” on March 1 at 1:30 PM. Later, at 3 PM, the interactive show “How the Jester and the Crow Saved Music” will engage the audience with humor and traditional tales.
But the arts will flourish beyond just Manezhnaya Square. Various performances are planned across the city. On the same day, the PANAMA theater will stage “Shla Koza Po Lesu” at 4 PM on Klyuchevaya Street, and at the Dmitry Donskoy Boulevard, the Fire and Light Theater will perform “Zolotoy Petushok.” Around the same time, another folk group, Mariyna Pesnya, will capture the heart with soulful melodies, ensuring there's entertainment for everyone.
For those who enjoy hands-on activities, Manezhnaya Square will offer craft workshops where you can create your own winter symbols. On March 1, from 2 PM, participants can craft traditional patchwork dolls and then make Maslenitsa-Solnoveyki from straw at 3 PM. March 2 follows with opportunities to create spring-themed dolls and engage with local craftspeople.
The culinary aspect of Maslenitsa is equally exciting—blini (pancakes) will feature prominently at various stalls. Attendees can savor sweet fillings like baked apples and cherry jam, or opt for heartier choices like salmon and smoked ham on Manezhnaya Square. Meanwhile, Revolution Square will present siberian delicacies, serving pancakes with pine cone jam and cedar nuts for guests eager to try something unique.
This year marks the ninth iteration of the “Moscow Maslenitsa” festival, which will see over 30 themed platforms across the city, promising citizens unforgettable experiences as they embrace the transition from winter to spring.
Historically, Maslenitsa has been celebrated as both a joyful farewell to winter and as preparation for the upcoming Easter festivities, with blini serving as the main dish because they symbolize the sun. Moscow and Petrograd together are witnessing record levels of pancake demand this year, with cities reporting nearly 49% increases from previous years, according to Ozon Fresh, highlighting the festival's growing popularity.
Interestingly, Moscow and the surrounding region account for 82% of all pancake orders placed, demonstrating just how integral these culinary delights are to the celebrations. The trend aligns well with reported nostalgia for traditional flavors—Muscovites are placing significant orders for pancakes filled with cottage cheese, sour cream, and various fishes, all of which pay homage to longstanding Russian culinary practices.
To amplify the festive spirit, numerous cultural institutions are also planning various free events throughout the weekend, drawing people together to celebrate the onset of spring. Notably, public performances will occur not just at major squares but also local parks, allowing families and individuals to embrace the joys of the holiday without incurring any costs.
This year's Maslenitsa is characterized not only by its various activities and foods but by the community spirit it inspires—a coming together of families, friends, and visitors from beyond the city. For those seeking leisurely fun, food, and cultural enrichment, the multiple festivities now taking place provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Overall, as Moscow and Petrograd usher in spring, Maslenitsa celebrates the end of winter with festivity and flavor, cementing its status as one of Russia's most cherished cultural traditions. Each year, the event grows larger and livelier, with more opportunities for citizens and tourists to engage with this beloved holiday.