A celebration of the end of winter chills and the start of Spring, of warmth,
of hope, of growth. Not surprisingly, it is a particularly big deal in Russia!
Sunday 26th February, Trafalgar Square, 1:30pm to 6:30pm
Free public event
1. Family
Maslenitsa is traditionally a family event, and its London cousin will be no different, with a children's marquee programme featuring exclusive performances by the award winning Theatre Chudaki, a presentation of Maslenitsa traditions, with audience interaction, performances of traditional songs by children's groups and plenty of competitions, games and fun.
2. Music
No celebration would be complete without music and the richness and diversity of Russia's musical heritage will laid out in a buzzing programme, direct from Russia of dance, theatre and folk, pop and jazz music.
3. Food
Sample your way around a marketplace of authentic Russian dishes, ranging from the staples of beef stroganoff and borscht (beetroot soup) to such regional delicacies as pelmeni (Russian-style pasta), traditional Russian pastries (bubliki and vatrushki) and, of course, the quintessential Maslenitsa delicacy: blini (pancakes).
4. Crafts
Trafalgar Square will be transformed into a bustling bazaar exhibiting and selling original Russian Art, handicrafts and souvenirs, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary.
5. Spring Salutation
Tell winter where to get off and say "Zdravstvui Maslenitsa!" to Spring as only the Russians can! Russian people love to party so grab a drink and a blini and join in the fun. You won't be disapointed.
