Other events during the week preceding the Trafalgar Square extravaganza include a performance by the renowned Moscow State Gogol Theatre of their captivating children’s production “Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka” at Shaftesbury Theatre , a free photography exhibition at London City Hall,of new images capturing the life of Russians living in London and culinary experiences in SamarQand restaurant on Tuesday evening 21 February and traditional Russian Maslenitsa tea at the Kensington and Dorchester Hotels from Monday through Sunday.
Traditionally a family event, the main festival day in Trafalgar Square features a special children's programme including a marquee showing exclusive performances by the award winning Theatre Chudaki, the chance to join in on Maslenitsa traditions, performances of traditional songs by children's groups with plenty of competitions, games and of course the quintessential Maslenitsa food – pancakes.
The rest of the square will be transformed into a bustling bazaar offering traditional Russian street food, handicrafts and souvenirs and original art from contemporary Russian artists as well as performances from some of Russia’s most acclaimed dance, theatre, folk, pop and jazz artists on the Festival’s main stage. Entrance is free and events run from 1:30pm-6:30pm.
London’s Maslenitsa Festival takes place at the same time as Maslenitsa festivals across Russia including Moscow’s Red Square. Families will be able to exchange traditional Russian Maslenitsa greetings with Muscovites via giant video screens that will connect both Festivals taking place a thousand miles apart.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London said: "With the success of last year’s Maslenitsa festival there can be no doubt that Russian culture has arrived in London and is here to stay. In 2012 we welcome the world for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including our Sochi 2014 partners. Events like Maslenitsa offer an early taste of our exciting plans for a summer like no other - as well as a taste of those delicious blini pancakes!"
Olga Balakleets, The Maslenitsa Festival Artistic Director said: “Maslenitsa 2012 will not only feature the most exciting line-up of Russian artists performing a spectacular programme of music and dance, but this year, for the first time, there will be a week of events around London leading up to the big celebration on Trafalgar Square. This is the biggest event showcasing Russian culture and talent outside Russia, where the world can learn about the new Russia while also enjoying Russia’s rich cultural heritage.”
The Maslenitsa celebration is a centuries-old Russian tradition that bids farewell to the bitter winter months and welcomes the beginning of the spring. It also marks the last feast before Lent in the Russian Orthodox calendar, when rich foodstuffs must be used up before the Lenten fast; just like Shrove Tuesday in the UK, the traditional Maslenitsa meal is a Pancake but served with a Russian twist: instead of the usual lemon and sugar, Maslenitsa pancakes, or Blinis, are traditionally served with Caviar and Vodka.
The 2012 Maslenitsa Festival will build on the successes of previous years. In 2011 Maslenitsa Festival was held for the first time in Trafalgar Square and over 90,000 attended. London boasts one of the largest Russian populations anywhere in the world outside of Russia, with over 160,000 Russians living in the Capital, and the city is the second most popular destination for flights from Moscow after St Petersburg.
London’s Maslenitsa Festival has been created in cooperation with the Mayor of London, the Greater London Authority and The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, and is supported by Moscow City Government.
