At times like these it’s good to look back on happy memories, so while crowds and group celebrations are off the schedule for now, we’re cheering ourselves reminiscing about festivals in our diverse and vibrant borough.

Maslenitsa is one of the oldest surviving Slavic holidays, and is celebrated by Sandwell’s Eastern European community.

Before social distancing rules became a necessity, people came together to celebrate Maslenitsa with a day of music and food in the heart of Sandwell.

The Maslenitsa celebrations took place at the Phoenix Collegiate in West Bromwich. The event was organised by U Island CIC, an organisation that works to help children and families from Eastern European communities with integration and other processes.

Maslenitsa dates back to pagan times, when traditionally Russian people would bid farewell to winter and welcome spring. It has become known as Pancake week in Russia as it is celebrated with the eating of pancakes!

Each day of the week pancakes are eaten with different fillings, with each day celebrating a theme. The pancakes, which are more like French crepes than fluffy American pancakes, are freshly made every day and supposedly symbolize the sun, so by eating them people consume its warmth and energy.

The event at Phoenix Collegiate followed the traditions of Maslenitsa with the eating of pancakes, but combined it with a full celebration of Eastern European culture. It included stalls with sweets and books from across Eastern Europe, as well as sweet and savoury baked goods.

There was also a range of activities for children and a full programme of music, traditional dances and sing-a-longs with folk songs, with Russian folk legends like the three-headed dragon appearing on stage.

The aim of the event was to bring together all the different Eastern European communities, to celebrate their heritage and to teach children and young people about their roots and culture.

Let’s hope it’s not long before such social occasions can take place again. In the meantime here’s a recipe for Russian pancakes to enjoy while you’re staying safe at home. 

 

[‘Russian folklor for Maslenitsa celebration’ image supplied by: Wikimedia]