Maslenitsa Festivities to be held on March 2

This year Maslenitsa festivities will be held at three large open-air festivals: the beach of Peter and Paul fortress, 300 years St Petersburg's anniversary park, and Kirov Central park on Elagin Island.

In honor of Pancake Day in St. Petersburg, the city will hold three large open-air festivals. Most large-scale events will be organized in 300 years St Petersburg's anniversary park, Kirov Central park, and on the beach of Peter and Paul fortress; but the burning of effigies and celebrations will be held in almost all the major parks.

Maslenitsa this year falls on Sunday, March 2.

In Kirov Central park, the festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can see the performances of folk groups, artisans and eat pancakes. For visitors who come in costume, the park entrance will be free. Men should wear a hat, coat, cover and a belt. Women should wear a long skirt with a pattern, scarf and a traditional robe with a coat.

Peter and Paul Fortress on the beach will have folk groups from Veliky Novgorod and Yaroslavl and they will play on Sunday. Pancake houses, souvenir shops and artisans tents will be worthwhile to check out. Artisan tents will teach dry felting, weaving of straw, wood paintings and clay modeling. There will be shows of strength and a traditional maslenitsa fight. All winners will be awarded free pancakes. Yum! 

Play traditional games, pull the rope and toss pancakes in 300 years St Petersburg's anniversary on Sunday. Among other things, guests will get a chance to ride horses, camels, ponies, and reindeer.