Maslenitsa is an ancient Slavic feast which can be compared to a carnival.
There is no specific date for it on the calendar.
The holiday begins exactly eight weeks before Easter (this year it is 24 February) and lasts for a week.
Monday – The Welcoming.
On this day Lady Maslenitsa is welcomed, fairs organized, places for folk celebrations prepared and Maslenitsa effigy is made
Tuesday – The Playing.
People start visiting each other, engage in games, outdoor fun activities, sleigh riding. Single girls do fortune telling
Wednesday – The Sweet Tooth Day.
Sons-in-law visit their mothers-in-law for a pancake treat
Thursday – The Revelry/The Wide Thursday.
The day when the so-called Wide Maslenitsa starts. People make and eat bliny (thin pancakes or crepes), dance and enjoy outdoor activities. In old times that was also a day for fist-fighting tournaments
Friday – The Mother-in-Law's Eve.
Sons-in-law invite their mothers-in-law for dinner. The invitation must be made in person
Saturday – The Sister-in-Law's Gathering.
Young wives invite their husband's relatives to give them presents
Sunday – The Forgiveness Day.
The Maslenitsa effigy is carried around the village and is burnt in a bonfire at sunset. Relatives and friends ask each other for forgiveness
Maslenitsa unleavened pancake recipe:
- Whisk two eggs with a pinch of salt.
- Add half a glass of flour and vegetable oil.
- Add milk and mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth batter.
- Heat a frying-pan and add vegetable oil.
- Pour a ladle of batter onto the frying-pan.
- When the edge of the pancake becomes brown, turn it over and cook until the other side of the pancake is ready.
- Serve the pancakes with butter.
Sources: Open sources