Russian annual pancake fair called Maslenitsa, a pagan festival marking the end of winter, has opened on Trafalgar Square in downtown London.
This is the third Maslenitsa festival organized in the British capital by the mayor's office and the vast Russian community.
Organizers have put up tents offering Russian pancakes (bliny), pies, pelmeni (or dumplings), salads and drinks and Russian souvenirs. The celebrations, which will last into the night, will also feature traditional Russian folk music, dancing and theatre performances.
The Russia Today television channel will organize a TV link between Moscow and London. London city authorities, members of parliament, officials of the Russian Embassy, the Russian Culture Ministry and the Russian Russkiy Mir foundation together with Russian Olympic champions will congratulate people on Maslenitsa from the stage of the festival.
Russian folk, pop and rock singers will also perform for the guests of the fair.
The event is sponsored by Onexim Group, a private investment fund of Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. Its organizers include London's Ensemble Productions, and Russian culture and diplomatic agencies.
LONDON, March 6 (RIA Novosti)
