On 17 March, RANEPA St. Petersburg Russian Language Course students from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Egypt together with their teachers joined a festive open-air event which took place in the City park on the Yelagin Island and marked “Maslenitsa” (Pancake or Butter week before the Great Lent) celebrations in Russia.

Our students had got a lot of fun being immersed in ancient Russian traditions and culture: they watched spectacular street performances and competitions, sang songs, danced, tasted traditional treats and made videos to send home.

Our students shared their impressions:

«I liked the Maslenitsa celebration. It was interesting and funny in the park. We took part in the competitions and tasted the national cuisine. It was a nice day»

Heidari Saba, student from Iran