Maslenitsa: Slavic Pancake Festival

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Sat 25 Feb 2017

Maslenitsa is a traditional festival among many Eastern Slavic people - Russian, Ukranian, Serbian, Macedonian and Bulgarian. The festival has its origins both in pagan traditions as well as in religion, but it has become a festival of celebration and fun as well. In Slavic tradition Maslenitsa is actually a female figure that in ancient times was burnt as a symbol of the dead. However, these days, in Slavic countries such as Russia, the festival is more about fun and food. Even though called a pancake festival, it is so much more than that. As with other festivals held before the period of Lent, this is a chance for people to celebrate and eat well before the traditionally more austere time leading up to Easter.



2017 will see the 7th year of Maslenitsa in Melbourne and by all accounts, this festival has become more and more successful and popular each year. It offers everything from folklore performances, live music, cultural exhibition, art exhibition, Chainaya (Russian tea house), husky rides, effigy burning, games for kids, activities, and of course food and a beer garden.


Some of the traditional foods on offer will be, of course, pancakes, savoury cakes, shashlik, and other famous treats of Russian and Slavic cuisines. If you have never tried some of these foods here is a chance to do so, you will not be disappointed.



The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne's heritage attraction, with its old-world feel and surrounding tall trees add to the atmosphere of this old and important festival. The day will be very colourful with an array of traditional dancing and costumes, both by and for children and adults. Russian music in particular, has a very infectious quality about it that may make you want to dance, or at least tap your feet.



You can also see or participate in some traditional rituals such as the traditional Slavic circle dance "Horovod", ribbon carousel, test your strength in a tug of war or just have fun with pillow fighting,
For those feeling less energetic, there is a chance to participate in craft and art activities or browse through the market stalls selling food products and Slavic souvenirs, toys and clothes.





To find out more about the traditions of Maslenitsa please see here .

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#community_events
#february
!date 25/02/2017 -- 25/02/2017
%wnmelbourne