1 March Maslenitsa Festival + Troika rides, traditional for this celebrration

The Tour on the 1st  March  is a special, extended program, celebrating the Maslenitsa Festival.

After we have completed our Troika rides the fun continues as we commemorate our Pagan past! The 2 March is the last day of Russian Maslenitsa week. Evidence from 2nd century A.D. supports the fact that Maslenitsa is the oldest surviving Slavic holiday with its origins steeped in paganism.

In Slavic mythology, Maslenitsa is a sun-festival, personified by the ancient god Volos, and a celebration of the imminent end of the winter. In the Christian tradition, Maslenitsa is the last week before the onset of Great Lent.

During the week of Maslenitsa, meat is avoided by stricter Orthodox Christians, and it is the last week during which eggs, milk, cheese and other dairy products are permitted, leading to its name of «Cheese-fare week» or «Crepe week». The most characteristic food of Maslenitsa is bliny thin pancakes or crepes, made from the rich foods still allowed by the Orthodox tradition that week: butter, eggs and milk.

Since Lent excludes parties, secular music, dancing and other distractions from spiritual life, Maslenitsa represents the last chance to take part in social activities that are deemed inappropriate during Lent.

After the Troika rides we will enjoy our customary bilini. The pancake symbolises the Sun, so we can keep our fingers crossed for a bright, sunny day whilst we enjoy the customary fare. (Weather not guaranteed 😊)

There will be a master-class in traditional doll-making (picture attached) plus a horse show and interactive games like tug-of-war, stilt walking and group skiing (hilarious fun as you share skis).

Our day culminates with ceremonial burning of the «Maslenitsa» doll. The burning symbolises the end of the winter. (The date of the festival changes each year and this year it is more than a bit early to say the winter is finished as we struggle through record snow falls😊)

I expect it to be a very nice memorable day.

Costs: 8500 rub for adults and 6500 rub for children under 14 years old

What is included: 45 min Troika ride, short tour of the Fram, Maslenitsa show and traditioanl for this day pancake lunch included )) Transportation (train + taxi) English speaking guide to accompany you along the way.