Celebrate Maslenitsa in Moscow: Pancakes, Music, and Fun
Maslenitsa, often called ‘Butter Week,’ is a traditional Russian festival celebrated during the last week before Lent, the period of fasting in the Orthodox Christian calendar. The festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. One of the most famous Maslenitsa customs is eating bliny (thin pancakes), symbolising the sun with their round, golden shape. Traditionally, bliny are served with a variety of toppings, from sour cream and jam to caviar.
Maslenitsa shares similarities with Shrove Tuesday in the United Kingdom, and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in France and the United States when people enjoy rich foods like pancakes, pastries, and other treats before the fasting period begins. These celebrations also include music, parades, and festive games.
In Moscow, many public events are held during Maslenitsa week where you can enjoy pancakes, music, folk games, and performances. Most events are free of charge, though some ticketed performances have paid entry. Maslenitsa is a perfect opportunity to try traditional Russian pancakes, enjoy folk music, and participate in games and parades.
Here are some highlights for this year:
Revolution Square ‘Moscow Maslenitsa’ Festival
Dates & Time: February 13–22, 12 pm–8 pm
Nearest Metro: Okhotny Ryad or Teatralnaya
Programme:
- Folk performances and workshops for all ages
- Over 50 types of pancakes
- Traditional games and sports activities
Admission: Free
Teply Stan Maslenitsa Festival
Dates & Time: February 13–22, 12 pm–8 pm
Location: 1B Ulitsa Teply Stan, Southwest Administrative District, Moscow
Nearest Metro: Teply Stan
Programme:
- Folk performances and workshops
- Traditional competitions to select the strongest locals
Admission: Free
Bolotnaya Square Maslenitsa Festival
Dates: February 17–22
Location: Bolotnaya Square, Moscow
Nearest Metro: Polyanka or Tretyakovskaya
Programme:
- Gift Factory art pavilion with pancakes featuring various fillings
- Russian-style clothing, accessories, home décor, and souvenirs
- A lively fair programme with music and performances.
Admission: Free
Maslenitsa at Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve
Date & Time: February 22, from 11 am
Location: Palace Square in front of the Grand Palace, Moscow
Nearest Metro: Tsaritsyno
Website
Programme:
- 11 am — Theatrical performance with music, quizzes, and traditional Russian games like tug-of-war, boot throwing, Catch the Hat, and Gorelki
- 1 pm — Maslenitsa parade with songs and folk chants
- 1:25 pm — Grand round dance on Palace Square
- 1:30 pm — Children’s vocal studio performance
- 2 pm — Concert by the band Vokrug da Okolo
Admission: Free
Kuskovo Park
Date & Time: February 22, 4 pm
Location: Kuskovo Estate, Moscow
Nearest Metro: Vykhino (approx. 15 min by bus)
Website
Programme:
- Interactive Maslenitsa activities with professional actors
- Family and team relays using traditional props like buckets, yokes, frying pans, and pancakes
- Folk dances, round dances, songs accompanied by accordion, and rope-jumping games
- Prizes for the most active participants
Admission: Free
