National holidays do feel good for most people. Everyone will rejoice in the celebration or festival held at that time. Especially if the national holiday is based on traditions in the country. That will make the activities carried out to celebrate it become more diverse.
In Russia, you can also find and at the same time celebrate national holidays if you visit at certain times. There are many holidays with interesting celebrations that you can enjoy. However, you must still respect the traditions performed during celebrations or festivals in Russia. Especially if you are a newcomer there.
One type of celebration or festival in Russia is the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival. It is one of the major festivals in Russia. Do you know what kind of festival it is? Maybe there are still many of you who don’t know about this Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival. For that, let’s look at the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival; what are the groovy point for the newcomers?
If we talk about holidays, whether national or international holidays, many people will welcome them with joy. They will plan to do something. But it will be different if there is a kind of celebration or festival held to coincide with the holiday.
Each country has certain festivals or celebrations that are held lively. All citizens will gather in their respective cities to celebrate the national holiday in accordance with the traditions there. Everyone can celebrate, including the new arrivals in the country.
In Russia, you can also experience many celebrations or festivals held there. It doesn’t matter if you are a local or a newcomer in there. One type of celebration or festival in Russia is the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival.
I think there are still many of you who have never heard or known about the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival. Maybe you are wondering and curious about what kind of festival it is. Therefore, to answer your curiosity, this article will discuss about the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival; what are the groovy point for the newcomers?
- About Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival
Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival or also known as Maslenitsa is a festival originating from East Slavia. It is a religious holiday there. The festival is celebrated by Russians and former Soviet Union countries during the last week before the start of Lent and marks the end of winter in Russia.
Fastcake Maslenitsa Festival also has many other names such as Butter Lady, Crepe Week, Cheesefare Week, or Butter Week. When you celebrate Maslenitsa, you will be treated to a variety of processed Russian pancakes known as Blini. For newcomers it is a new activity for them. And it will be fun.
- History of The Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival
The tradition of the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival or Maslenitsa used to be a celebration to say goodbye to the winter which then welcomed the spring. Maslenitsa become one of the oldest Slavic holidays which still survive today. This was proven by archaeological evidence in the 2nd century AD
According to mythology in Slavic, Maslenitsa is called the festival of the sun. It personifies the ancient god of Volos. When celebrating this Maslenitsa, there is a fast that you must do while in Russia. That is about strict fasting not to consume meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs. You as a newcomer there must also do that (at least to respect tradition).
- The Traditions Carried Out During the Celebration of Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival
In celebrating the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival, there is a series of traditions that you must carry out during the week. These traditions include:
- Monday. A day to visit family and friends or welcome guests by enjoying Russian Blini.
- Tuesday. A day to do winter activities like skiing, skating or just taking a walk. Of course, with Blini who completed the day.
- Wednesday. It is “Sweet Day” where many restaurants and cafes in Russia offer special menus with variations of Blini that you should try.
- Thursday. It’s also called “Revelry Thrusday”. The right time for outdoor activities and partying.
- Friday. It was a special day (traditionally) to visit mother and mother-in-law while enjoying Russian Blini.
- Saturday. That is the day you will find lots of parades, festivals or even concerts in the city.
- Sunday. It is a day of forgiveness. And that is the most important day as well as the closing of the celebration of the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival.
Of course, there are still many other activities you can do on each day during the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival.
- Days Filled with Pancakes During the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival
When celebrating the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival, your days will be filled with Russian Blini. It is indeed already become a tradition in Russia. So, whether you like it or not, you are bored or not, you will always find this food everywhere. Therefore, it takes creativity to find variations of these foods so as not to leave a boring impression. Especially for those of you who are new arrivals in Russia.
- Fun Activities During the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival
During the celebration of Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival, you will find lots of fun activities in Russia. There will be many parades, festivals, concerts, fairs, special children’s games and many others. Even though this is a religious holiday in Russia, you can still enjoy all the fun activities there. That will leave an impression for those of you who are newcomers.
And maybe there are still some of the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival; what are the groovy point for the newcomers that haven’t been listed above. I hope this article can really help you to find out all you need to know about the Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival; what are the groovy point for the newcomers. So, for those of you newcomers to Russia, what is your first impression of this Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival? Isn’t this Maslenitsa Fastcake Festival a fun festival?