Slavic Spring Festival

The Russian and Slavic Department will celebrate one of the oldest holidays of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus which is Maslenitsa (aka Pancake Week or Spring Festival). Even though the holiday was adapted by Orthodoxy as a part of preparation for Lent, the holiday has pagan roots with its celebration of the end of long winter, beginning of spring, and pancakes symbolizing the Sun. Activities: raffle, food, Slavic candy and pancakes, traditional contests & games (rope pulling, game called River, "snowball" fighting, etc.), song singing & Slavic folk dancing lesson.