MASLENITSA FOR FREE

by Alexander Ivanov; Mar 13, 2009

Russian performers at Maslenitsa celebrations in London. Photo by: Alexander Ivanov

In the beginning of March in the Potters Fields Park on the banks of the River Thames, Russia took over London for a day.

It was the traditional Russian holiday, Maslenitsa. It is the day when the Slavs say goodbye to winter.

Maslenitsa marks the traditional Russian pre-Lent celebrations, as well. The main tradition of the day is eating of the 'blini' or pancakes.

It would be very difficult to surprise Britons with pancakes. The English and the Scots have their own pride. They also bake pancakes, and even have a special "Pancake Day" on their calendar.

But neither the British nor the Russians interfere which each other. Sensitive to the traditions of other countries and people, the British are happy to celebrate Russian folk festivals.

In previous years, everyone in London has joined in to enthusiastically celebrate the 'Russian winter' festival in Trafalgar Square. Bring on the vodka!

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson asked that the festival focus on 'high culture.' Therefore, a few of the organisers deviated from the traditional rock and pop trends.

Top Russian performers like Eugene Gore, Barbara and the Ensemble Theater of Nadezhda Babkina 'Russian song of the XXI century', came to London.

Russian culture

In London, organisers are limited to traditional dolls, bears and cheerful clowns – Skomorokhy - as they celebrate the festival.

But in Russia, Maslenitsa has many traditions.

Maslenitsa, or pancake week, is a favourite holiday for Russians. On this day, they lead the 'horovodi' - the national dance, play fun games, and organise contests.

Among the most famous of these is the Youth Dare competition. Shoes are hung on a high column, and the men have to climb on a slippery surface to get them.

Another tradition is to say 'sorry'. On the last day of Russian Pancake week, people ask each other for forgiveness, for all the wrong that has been done in the past year.

The 'sorry' must be answered with 'Bog prostit', which means 'God will excuse', and then everyone embraces each other warmly.

The idea to celebrate Maslenitsa was supported by the London mayor's office, the Government of Moscow, the Russian Ministry of Culture and Ensemble Productions (a London-baased company).