Maslenitsa

Maaselits (maasenits, ma(a)slenitsa) or butter week: this is the week before the Great Lent, or the beginning of the fast before Easter. Meat is already forbidden by this week, but dairy products are still allowed, hence the name "butter week." During the fast, one is not allowed to sing or dance, so butter week is the last opportunity to have fun and celebrate and to prepare ones soul for the long fast. An old tradition is to go sliding on the ice on this day. Butter week Sundays are celebrated as bigger festivals with singing and dancing in Obinitsa and Värska, as well as in Irboska. Guests are offered blini, hot tea, and other good things.

More information: www.visitsetomaa.ee