Maslenitsa Maslenitsa Pancake week is a Russian religious and folk holiday. It is celebrated during the last week before Great Lent-that is, the seventh week before Easter -though some of its traditions date back to the pagan times. The most characteristic element of Maslenitsa also includes masquerades, snowball fights, sledding, riding on Maslenitsa is pancakes, popularly taken swings and plenty of sleigh rides. As the to symbolize the sun. culmination of the celebration, on Sunday evening, Lady Maslenitsa is stripped of her finery and put to the flames of a bonfire. Any remaining blintzes are also thrown on the fire, and Lady Maslenitsa's ashes are buried in the snow (to "fertilize the crops"). PPt4WEB.ru