Russians have been celebrating Maslenitsa, an ancient festival bidding farewell to winter that also marks the beginning of Lent.
Russians Bid Farewell To Winter With Maslenitsa Celebrations
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Burning an effigy of winter during a celebration of Maslenitsa at the Guslitsa Art Estate in the Moscow region on March 1. The holiday celebrates the end of winter and marks the arrival of spring. It dates back to pagan times.
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A man climbs on a pole in snowfall to win a prize during celebrations of Maslenitsa in Veliky Novgorod on March 1. Behind him, on the right, is a statue of Lenin.
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People carry a figure representing Lady Maslenitsa during the Maslenitsa festival outside St. Petersburg on March 1. The Maslenitsa festival, which originates from Slavic mythology, took place this year from February 24 to March 1.
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A woman selling effigies of winter during a celebration of Maslenitsa at the Etnomir (Ethnoworld) cultural and educational center in the Kaluga region on March 1.
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People take part in Maslenitsa celebrations close to the village of Khlyupino, some 60 kilometers outside of Moscow, on March 1.
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A figure of an elephant covered with pancakes is displayed during celebrations in Stavropol on March 1. Thin pancakes, or bliny, are a traditional food of the festivities and symbolize the sun.
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People make an effigy in Moscow.
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Burning effigies of winter during a celebration in the Kaluga region.
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Students of the General Yermolov Cadet School eat pancakes in the southern city of Stavropol on February 29.
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People watch a sculpture of a bridge burning at the Nikola-Lenivets art park about 200 kilometers southwest of Moscow on February 29.
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Girls battle with sacks in the town of Suzdal on February 29.
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Artists and guests perform a traditional round dance in Suzdal on February 29.
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Costumed actresses wear antiviral masks while attending the Maslenitsa festival in Moscow.
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Effigies of Lady Maslenitsa are seen with a Stalin-era skyscraper in the background in central Moscow on February 25.
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A performer wearing a mask dances and entertains the public near the Kremlin in Moscow on February 24.