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Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter

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Last week, Russia celebrated the ancient seven-day folk festival Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week. Festivities also took place on Trafalgar Square in London.

Last week, Russia celebrated the ancient seven-day folk festival Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week. Festivities also took place on Trafalgar Square in London.

© RIA Novosti . Alexander Kryazhev / Go to the mediabankLast week, Russia celebrated the ancient seven-day folk festival Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
1/14
Last week, Russia celebrated the ancient seven-day folk festival Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week.
© RIA Novosti . Mikhail Fomichev / Go to the mediabankThe essence of all Maslenitsa traditions is driving winter away and awaking nature.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
2/14
The essence of all Maslenitsa traditions is driving winter away and awaking nature.
© RIA Novosti . Serguei Pivovarov / Go to the mediabankPancakes are the main symbols of Maslenitsa. A round and toasted pancake represented the summer sun.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
3/14
Pancakes are the main symbols of Maslenitsa. A round and toasted pancake represented the summer sun.
© RIA Novosti . Alexander Kryazhev / Go to the mediabankHorseback riding, sliding down icy slopes, jumping over the bonfire, storming a snow town and other games are all part of this festival.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
4/14
Horseback riding, sliding down icy slopes, jumping over the bonfire, storming a snow town and other games are all part of this festival.
© RIA Novosti . Alexander Kryazhev / Go to the mediabankPlayful fist fighting at the Maslenitsa celebration in the town of Berdsk.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
5/14
Playful fist fighting at the Maslenitsa celebration in the town of Berdsk.
© RIA Novosti . Alexander Kryazhev / Go to the mediabankA sack fighting contest at the Maslenitsa celebration in Berdsk.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
6/14
A sack fighting contest at the Maslenitsa celebration in Berdsk.
© RIA Novosti . Serguei Pivovarov / Go to the mediabankAnother Maslenitsa tradition is a female straw dummy representing winter. It is burnt on the last day of festivities.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
7/14
Another Maslenitsa tradition is a female straw dummy representing winter. It is burnt on the last day of festivities.
© RIA Novosti . Mikhail Fomichev / Go to the mediabankMen climbing a pole for a gift during Maslenitsa festivities in Suzdal.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
8/14
Men climbing a pole for a gift during Maslenitsa festivities in Suzdal.
© RIA Novosti . Mikhail Fomichev / Go to the mediabankKnights stage a performance fighting during Maslenitsa festivities in Suzdal.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
9/14
Knights stage a performance fighting during Maslenitsa festivities in Suzdal.
© RIA Novosti . Mikhail Fomichev / Go to the mediabankTraditional goose fighting in Suzdal.
Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
10/14
Traditional goose fighting in Suzdal.
© RIA Novosti . Elena PakhomovaMaslenitsa festivities were also organized in London by the mayor's office and the vast Russian community.

Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
11/14
Maslenitsa festivities were also organized in London by the mayor's office and the vast Russian community.

© RIA Novosti . Elena PakhomovaThe event was held for the first time on Trafalgar Square.

Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
12/14
The event was held for the first time on Trafalgar Square.

© RIA Novosti . Elena PakhomovaThe celebrations, which lasted into the night, featured traditional Russian folk music, dancing and theater performances and sales of Russian souvenirs and traditional pancakes.



Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
13/14
The celebrations, which lasted into the night, featured traditional Russian folk music, dancing and theater performances and sales of Russian souvenirs and traditional pancakes.



© RIA Novosti . Elena PakhomovaRussian folk, pop and rock singers also performed for the guests of the fair.

Maslenitsa festival marks the end of winter - Sputnik International
14/14
Russian folk, pop and rock singers also performed for the guests of the fair.

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