Travel to Moscow in spring – love and hope!

When did Maslenitsa originate? Let’s join AVA TRAVEL to discover more interesting things about the city of Moscow and Maslenitsa!

The Maslenitsa farewell to winter festival originates from agriculture and the farming work of Russian peasants. In Russia, winter brings heavy snowfall that covers the ground and fields, preventing plants from sprouting. If it lasts too long, it can even lead to famine. Therefore, farmers long for winter to pass quickly and for spring to arrive as soon as possible. 

In Russia, spring begins at the end of March, after months of harsh winter covered in cold and snow. At this time, the weather gradually becomes warmer, plants come back to life, and flowers and trees awaken after a long winter dormancy.

During this period, tens of thousands of birch trees planted in the capital and surrounding cities seem to simultaneously display their vitality, with their pure white trunks and delicate, willow-like leaves gently swaying in the breeze.

And if you visit Moscow during the Maslenitsa festival, there is nothing more joyful and memorable. The Farewell to Winter festival is considered one of the happiest holidays of the year for Russians. It lasts for seven days, and throughout the week, people make pancakes, enjoy entertainment, go on spring outings, visit each other, and share meals.

In 2020, the Farewell to Winter festival began on March 7 and ended on March 13. 

In the mild weather, early in the morning, thousands of people quietly watch the melting ice drifting along the river flowing around Moscow, or sit on grass that has just been cleared of snow and is sprouting with fresh buds, leisurely reading a book amidst the busy flow of people passing by.

Alternatively, they may take a walk along the riverbank after work. As day and night are about to meet, the surroundings gradually glow red before gently fading into a peaceful night.

It is beautiful indeed, but not everyone is lucky enough to witness such wonderful scenery. In some years, the snow does not leave, and many tourists visiting in March to welcome spring are left feeling disappointed as they cannot see trees budding and sprouting.

Theaters, museums, and churches – Moscow’s “specialties”

In spring, Moscow, apart from the Maslenitsa festival, also attracts visitors with its magnificent museums, churches, and theaters featuring stunning architecture. The Bolshoi Theatre, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, St. Nicholas Church, the Space Museum, the television tower, and many other landmarks are must-visit destinations. 

Or you can visit memorials such as the Eternal Flame and Lenin’s Mausoleum to gain more knowledge about Russia’s country, history, and people.