Celebration of Maslenitsa in Suzdal, ancient Russian town in Vladimir Oblast, Western Russia Maslenitsa (a week before the Great Fast) – traditional festival; “maslenitsa” – “butter week”, also known as “carnival week”, or “pancake week”. Orthodox beleivers prepare for the fast, people celebrate the end of winter and coming spring. In the picture: skhomorokhi, traditional characters of Russian folk theatre