Maslenitsa is one of most popular festivals in Russia. it is pagan in origin signals the end of winter and welcomes spring. Russian pancakes blini are very important in the celebration of maslenitsa. They are given to friends and family all through the week. Blini are eaten with jam, sour cream, and of course lots of butter. Warm, round and golden blini are a symbol of the sun. Ancient Russians actually believed that by eating a pancake they were getting part of the suns life. 

the festival is week-long