London, the
essence of Britishness, the home of her majesty the Queen, and what can we say
a cosmopolitan combination and cultural melting pot thanks to which we can all
discover many different cultures from all over the world. If you were visiting London in January you may
have bore witness to the fabulous and entertaining Chinese New Year celebrations which is an increasingly popular event. Now it’s the Russians’
turn as on the 6th of March London
will be hosting the Maslentisa Russian Festival, an age old festival in Russia that
marks the end of winter and celebrates the start of spring before Lent, the
perfect opportunity to brush up on what may be your non-existent knowledge of
this fascinating eastern European country.
Maslenitsa Russian Festival, London
Those of
you who fancy going can thus expect a true Russian-style celebration giving you
the chance to sample the culture, music and food of Russia
without even having to board the plane to Moscow!
There’ll be a mixture of traditional folk and contemporary music at this event,
as well as theatre, food stalls and lots more.
The spectacular
programme of traditional music, dance and theatre lined up at the Maslenitsa
Russian Festival will include performances by the legendary rock group Moral
Codex, pop group Chelsea,  folk group
Namgar, pop group A-studio, folk diva Ludmila Rumina and opera sensation
Kvatro. Other musical acts lined up include folk techno outfit Bayan Mix, and
Anastasia Stotskaya, as well as the Ican Kupula Band, and jazz folk musician
Matrekha.
Similarly, the
children’s marquee programme will feature special performances by the award
winning Theatre Chudaki, a presentation of Maslenitsa traditions with audience
participation, performances of traditional songs by children’s groups, as well
as competitions and games bound to keep them entertained and out of mischief. Furthermore,
around the Square there will also be a range of stalls offering a variety of Russian
cuisines and regional delicacies, such as blini pancakes (Russian style crepe
containing yeast), something that everyone can enjoy, and finally other kiosks
selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Maslenista
2011 promises to be a spectacular and exciting festival, bringing Russian
culture and tradition to the heart of London.
Practical information:
Date: Sunday
the 6th of March
Where: Trafalgar Square
Address:Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N
Nearest
tube: Charing Cross, Leicester
Square, Piccadilly Circus
Time: 12:30pm
– 7pm
Admission: Free
Anna - Marketing Team