The history of Maslenitsa goes back deep into the pre-Christian past of the Slavs, with archaeological evidence of its practice dating back to the 2nd century AD. Originally, the holiday was celebrated around March 21-22, during the spring solstice, as a tribute to the sun god Yarilo. The ancient Slavs believed that round, golden bliny—traditional pancakes—symbolized the sun itself, eternity, and the basic elements of life: wheat, water, and milk. Pagan rituals included riding horses around settlements, carrying decorated wheels as symbols of the sun, and burning straw dolls representing winter. Some sources suggest that the holiday may have been called 'Komoeditsa' and associated with bears awakening from their winter sleep, to whom blinis were offered as sacrifices.

A turning point in the history of Maslenitsa came in the 10th-11th centuries, when Rus adopted Christianity. Instead of banning a holiday deeply rooted in the culture, the Orthodox Church showed remarkable flexibility by integrating it into the liturgical calendar. Maslenitsa was moved from the spring equinox to the week preceding Lent—exactly the seventh week before Easter, which means 56 days before Easter. This transformation changed the nature of the holiday from a pagan celebration of fertility to 'Cheese Week' - the last period before fasting, when dairy products are allowed, but meat is not. This is a brilliant example of religious syncretism, where Christianity did not destroy local traditions, but gave them new meaning.

By the 19th century, Maslenitsa was already deeply rooted in Russian culture, although it retained many pagan elements. The custom of leaving blini for deceased ancestors survived alongside Christian practices. The 1917 revolution brought difficult times for all religious traditions—Soviet atheism policies led to the disappearance of public celebrations. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, the holiday experienced a revival, this time as an element of folk culture, with the addition of modern entertainment elements. Today's Maslenitsa is a fascinating mix of ancient rituals, Orthodox spirituality, and modern family fun, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors to Moscow.

Maslenitsa lasts exactly seven days, each with its own unique name and purpose, creating a gradually escalating atmosphere of festive joy. The first day, called 'The Meeting', traditionally begins at 5 p.m., when the first blinis are baked. According to ancient beliefs, the first pancake had to be offered to ancestors or the poor, which was supposed to bring good luck for the whole year. The second day, 'Zaigryshi', was a time for young people - sledding, building snow forts, and first courtships were organized. The third day, known as 'Lakomchuka' or 'sweet day', is a time for various types of blinis with all kinds of toppings: caviar, cream, honey, jam, or butter.

The middle of the week, Thursday, called 'Szałem', was the culmination of the fun. This was when the most spectacular events took place: fist fights, pole climbing for prizes, horse riding, and loud singing. Friday belonged to the sons-in-law, who visited their mothers-in-law for blinis, which was supposed to strengthen family ties. Saturday was the day of 'Zolowicki meetings', when sisters-in-law invited their husbands' families to a feast. Finally, Sunday, 'Forgiveness Sunday', was the spiritual climax of the holiday. It was a day when people asked each other for forgiveness for their sins, preparing themselves spiritually for the coming Lent. In the evening, a large straw effigy symbolizing winter was burned, and its ashes were scattered over the fields, believing in its power to ensure a good harvest.

The symbolism of Maslenitsa is extremely rich and multi-layered. Round blinis represent not only the sun, but also the cycle of life and death, the eternal return of spring. Burning the effigy is not only a farewell to winter, but also a purification from old sins and preparation for spiritual rebirth. Traditional snow games and strength competitions were intended to 'awaken' the earth after its winter sleep and ensure fertility in the coming season. Round dances, called 'chorowody', imitated the movement of the sun across the sky. Contemporary Maslenitsa in Moscow preserves all these elements, offering families an authentic cultural experience where children can participate in traditional games and adults can discover the deeper meanings of this extraordinary holiday, which combines the joy of life with spiritual reflection.

Moscow offers unique opportunities to experience Maslenitsa in places that combine historical authenticity with a family atmosphere. Izmaylovo Estate, located at Ulitsa Imeni Baumana Gorodok 2, is one of the most authentic places to celebrate this holiday. This historic estate, surrounded by forests, perfectly captures the rural character of traditional Maslenitsa celebrations. Here, families can participate in baking blinis according to old recipes, watch traditional folk dances, and take part in strength competitions. The atmosphere of this place takes visitors back in time, allowing them to experience what celebrations were like in ancient Rus. The estate organizes workshops for children, where the youngest can learn traditional crafts and learn about the meaning of individual Maslenitsa symbols.

In the immediate vicinity, at Izmaylovskoye Shosse 73ж, is the Izmailovo Kremlin, a modern recreational and cultural complex that turns into a real center of folk traditions during Maslenitsa. This place combines education and entertainment in a way that is ideal for families with children. Colorful wooden buildings in the Old Russian style create a fairy-tale setting for festive events. Here you can see the spectacular burning of the winter effigy, participate in mass games in the snow, and try blinis prepared in front of guests. The Izmailovo Kremlin also offers folk craft shows, where artists demonstrate traditional techniques and children can make their own souvenirs. The proximity of both locations—Izmaylovo Estate and Izmailovo Kremlin—allows for a full day of family activities, combining an authentic historical experience with modern entertainment.

For those who want to experience Maslenitsa in the heart of the capital, the area around Red Square offers a completely different but equally fascinating dimension to the holiday. The Moscow Kremlin, a monumental fortress symbolizing Russian statehood, becomes the backdrop for large public Maslenitsa celebrations. Here, tradition meets big-city scale, with thousands of people gathering to celebrate together, creating a unique atmosphere of unity. The nearby St. Basil's Cathedral at Krasnaya Ploshad 7, with its distinctive colorful domes, reminds us of the Orthodox dimension of the holiday. This 16th-century architectural masterpiece provides a visual contrast between the ancient pagan roots of Maslenitsa and its Christian transformation. The area around Red Square during Maslenitsa offers the largest scale of events—stages with folk performances, dozens of stalls selling blinis and traditional delicacies, and evening fireworks displays.

When planning a family trip to Moscow for Maslenitsa, it is worth considering a strategy that combines these locations. Starting in Izmaylovo allows for a peaceful, authentic experience of tradition in a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for children who can actively participate in workshops and games. Then, moving to the city center offers a spectacle of big-city celebration, showing how ancient traditions live on in the modern metropolis. All of these places are accessible year-round, although Maslenitsa is, of course, only celebrated once a year, in the week preceding Lent, which means variable dates depending on the Orthodox calendar. Regardless of the location you choose, Maslenitsa in Moscow offers families an unforgettable cultural experience, combining historical education with joyful fun, allowing children and adults alike to touch a living tradition that dates back almost two thousand years.