THE HOLIDAY IS NEAR or WELCOME TO RUSSIA!

Maslenitsa also known as Butter Week, Pancake week or Cheesefare Week, 

is a Russian religious and folk holiday. It is celebrated during the last week before Great Lent—that is, the seventh week before Pascha (Easter). 
     Maslenitsa corresponds to the Western Christian Carnival, except that Orthodox Lent begins on a Monday instead of a Wednesday. The Orthodox date of Easter can differ greatly from the Western Christian date. 
 
   Maslenitsa — one of the most joyful and light holidays. The whole week the people see off the bothered winter, bake pancakes and visit to each other.

   Maslenitsa — a remarkable, cheerful holiday which is to be met in the street. The spring already comes into the own, but while it only calendar spring, in the street the winter still dominates.

Translated from there