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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Knights stage a performance fighting during Maslenitsa festivities in Suzdal.
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.
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© RIA Novosti . Elena Pakhomova
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.
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© RIA Novosti . Elena Pakhomova
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.
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© RIA Novosti . Elena Pakhomova
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.
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© RIA Novosti . Elena Pakhomova
Russian folk, pop and rock singers also performed for the guests of the fair.