Since ancient times in Rus' it has been customary to see Winter off. After four months people grew tired of the frosts and the short daylight, so everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of sun and warmth. But young Spring found it hard to overcome her stern gray companion, and the Slavs actively helped her for a full seven days! “As you greet Maslenitsa, so you will live the year!”, a Russian proverb still assures today. At the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve one of the most beloved folk holidays is held in the best traditions — lively, hearty and varied!
“Maslenitsa week in the Tsar's Sloboda is celebrated in three formats at once. For the very little ones there is the program “Hello, Maslenitsa!”, with which our staff visit the city’s and district’s kindergartens. This format is convenient — there is no need to bring the toddlers in, it is enough simply to take them for a walk around the kindergarten grounds. While the museum staff engage with the children — telling them about folk traditions, playing games, burning the ritual effigy — the kindergarten cooks prepare a pancake treat. Such a traditional folk celebration gives children the most joyful emotions!”, says deputy director of the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda museum-reserve Larisa Zarayskaya.
At the museum itself during these same days there is a program “To Mother-in-Law for Pancakes”. Both adults and schoolchildren always take part with pleasure. It is a kind of mix of winter outdoor amusements with a guided tour. Visitors start with outdoor games (“races” on brooms, “fun relays” on team skis, “pancake” fortune-telling), and then in a cozy 19th-century parlor they warm themselves with fragrant tea and enjoy fluffy pancakes with jam, while learning how Maslenitsa was celebrated in old Rus' and discussing the best “themed” recipes.
And the museum sees off the “hearty holiday” at the weekend with the interactive event “Revel, Maslenitsa!”. On the most festive days — Saturday and Sunday — guests in the Poteshny Yard are greeted by the “sovereign host” of the Sloboda, Ivan the Terrible (a photo session with the tsar is always especially popular). Together with the skomorokhi (traditional Russian jesters) visitors start a Maslenitsa round dance and warm up with old Russian amusements. Tug-of-war and ribbon carousels invariably remain among the most popular activities. At such festivities no one feels cold even in severe frost! Especially since at the end of each program guests take part in the most famous ritual act — the burning of the Maslenitsa effigy. Each person ties a ribbon in advance, “whispering” to it all their misfortunes, which then burn in the fire. Such a celebration leaves positive feelings about the departing winter and gives a boost of energy and sunny spirits!
