Maslenitsa

Late in February many Russians celebrate a lively festival called Maslenitsa.

Celebration Breads BETSY OPPENNEER 2003

Late in February many Russians celebrate a lively festival called Maslenitsa.

Celebration Breads BETSY OPPENNEER 2003

Late in February many Russians celebrate a lively festival called Maslenitsa.

Celebration Breads BETSY OPPENNEER 2003

In Russia Shrove Tuesday is called Maslenitsa [Масленица-Butter Maiden] and it involves bliny [блины-pancakes], covered in smetana [сметана-sour cream] with ikra [икра-caviar] on top washed down with vodka [водка-little water].

Before The Fast Bryan 2006

Russian hats areextremely popular during the first Russian Maslenitsa 1 of March in London.

Russian hats in London 2009

Russian community celebrates first Maslenitsa in London

Russian Maslenitsa in London 2009

Stravinsky's music captures the carnival atmosphere of Maslenitsa, the Russian version of Mardi Gras, with all its color and passion.

Petrushka elena maria vidal 2009

One of the traditions is to make a straw effigy of Maslenitsa to which everyone recounts their sins.

Before The Fast Bryan 2006

Maslenitsa, known as the overeating holiday, is the wildest, merriest celebration of the year.

Celebration Breads BETSY OPPENNEER 2003

Originally Maslenitsa had nothing to do with Christian holidays; the ancient Russian folk rituals were incorporated into many of the Christian rituals soon after the Russians adopted Christianity in 988.

Celebration Breads BETSY OPPENNEER 2003