"Vareniki fights", tug-of-war and much more: Maslenitsa Friday was held at the Exposition
Pancake Week continues at the RUSSIA EXPO. Its fifth day is
traditionally called "Mother-in-law Evenings". The Friday program
started with the concert "We Saw off Maslenitsa" by the folklore and
ethnographic ensemble "Zabava" of the Saratov Regional House of Art
Workers. The guests were also treated to a silk painting masterclass with
artists Elena Sabitova and Lyudmila Maltseva, dedicated to Maslenitsa (or
Shrovetide) traditions.
Maslenitsa amusements were organized on the square in front
of the Exposition's Main Stage: Vareniki (Dumpling) Fights, Catch a Pancake,
Cornhole, Maslenitsa Mosaic, Broomball, Ringball. The folklore ensemble
"Zolotayushka" from Nizhny Novgorod presented its program - together
with the guests of the Exposition they led round dances and sang ditties.
Meanwhile, Pavilion No. 63 "Technograd.
Professionalism" offered Exposition visitors to try themselves in
tug-of-war, throwing balls into a basket, pillow fights, running with pot and
kettle. The program also included Russian folk games, games with a large
canvas, "big family skis", "gorodki" and a masterclass in
coin forging.
The second day of the Pancake Festival was held in the House
of Russian Cuisine - it was dedicated to pancakes of the peoples of Russia. Guests
of the Exposition could try сhepalgash with cottage cheese and hingalsh with
pumpkin from Chechen cooks, Mordovian millet pancakes with Altai honey and pine
nuts and traditional pancakes with cottage cheese.
One of the central events was a festive procession with the
participation of the "Zolotayushka" folklore ensemble. The main
character here according to the Maslenitsa custom was the son-in-law, calling
in the guests. It ended with a theatrical performance on the Main Street Stage
of the Exposition, during which the audience was told about holiday
traditions.
The Maslenitsa Friday program at the Exposition ended with
the theater play "Dremushki" by Artem Gaponenko of the Moscow
Independent Author's Theatre "O" and a performance by the choral and
folk singing ensemble "Lubo Milo" under the direction of Ekaterina
and Vladimir Brinchugovs.
During the all-Russian survey "What does the Motherland begin with?", people across the country are answering this question in their own way, opening up the innermost corners of their souls.
Souvenir nevalyashkas (traditional Russian roly-poly dolls), are attracting particular attention, with guests choosing them for their harmonious combination of Russian colour and traditional Chinese symbols.
Under the guidance of artisans, each guest made an unusual souvenir that can become either a personal talisman or a gift with a special story.
