Maslenitsa

Each year our Russian and East European Program celebrates Maslenitsa, a weeklong holiday festival celebrated in Eastern Orthodox communities around the world.  Maslenitsa exhibits similarities to a number of Western holidays (Mardi Gras, Shrovetide).  And yet it has its own roots in two distinct traditions: Orthodox Christianity, and a much older, pagan tradition, celebrated as early as the 2nd century AD, marking the end of winter and beginning of spring.  During our festivities we learn all about the customs and symbolism of Maslenitsa, and how they are linked to something delicious: bliny, or Russian pancakes.  We eat bliny, sing songs, make dolls, and do other fun activities around this holiday theme!

For information about Maslenitsa see http://www.sras.org/maslenitsa_blin
And the Russian wikipedia page, which has details about the week-long traditional celebrations: http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Масленица