How believers celebrate Maslenitsa in 2026: traditions of the Cheese Week by day
Maslenitsa Week begins in Russia in mid—February, a special time in the church calendar when Orthodox Christians prepare to enter Lent. The holiday combines ancient folk customs of winter holidays and Christian motives of spiritual purification, reconciliation and abstinence. In Orthodoxy, Maslenitsa is called Cheese Week. Izvestia tells us how to properly spend the festive week for believers in 2026, what every day of the week means and what you should pay attention to before fasting.
When is Maslenitsa celebrated in 2026
In 2026, Maslenitsa Week will be held from Monday, February 16, to Sunday, February 22. It precedes Lent, which begins on February 23 and ends with Easter on April 12.
The first three days are traditionally called Narrow Maslenitsa — this is the time of household chores and preparations for the main celebrations. Broad Maslenitsa begins on Thursday — at that time the main festivities took place in Russia, but for believers these days the focus is shifting from entertainment to inner peace, reconciliation and understanding of the approaching fast.
What does Maslenitsa mean for the Orthodox?
After the baptism of Russia, the ancient holiday was included in the church circle as the last week before lent. The meaning of the Cheese Week is the gradual abandonment of fast food, the mood for repentance and correction of life.
On these days, it is recommended to visit the temple more often, avoid quarrels, rudeness and excessive fun, help those in need and prepare themselves for the strict fast period. Of particular importance is Forgiven Sunday, when it is customary to ask for forgiveness from loved ones and let go of old grievances.
Monday, February 16 — Meeting
The first day of Maslenitsa is dedicated to the celebration. In the old days, pancakes were baked on this day, snow slides were built and a straw scarecrow of winter was prepared.
For believers, the Meeting is an occasion to reflect on the beginning of the spiritual path to Easter. It's good to devote a day to family matters, put the house in order, and pray. In the old days, the first pancake was traditionally given to those in need in memory of the dead — this custom echoes the Christian idea of charity.
Tuesday, February 17th — The Sweepstakes
On the second day, youth fun and matchmaking took place in Russia, people went to visit each other. Orthodox Christians on this day are advised to remain moderate in entertainment, avoid noisy feasts and pay attention to good deeds. Visiting relatives and reconciling with those with whom there were disagreements is considered especially appropriate.
Wednesday, February 18, is a treat
The last day of the Narrow Carnival was popularly devoted to treats. The son-in-law came to his mother-in-law for pancakes, and the tables were set especially generously. It is important for believers to remember that Maslenitsa is not a time of gluttony. The festive meal should be moderate, without frills, with a prayer of thanksgiving. The meaning of the day is in communication, peace and hospitality, not in the amount of food eaten.
Thursday, February 19th — Razgulyay
From that day on, a Wide Carnival began with skating, songs and folk games. The church does not encourage excessive festivities and rude amusements, so believers are advised to spend Thursday more quietly: do charity work, visit elderly relatives, take time to read spiritual literature and prepare for fasting.
Friday, February 20th — Mother-in-law's Evenings
On Friday, the son-in-law hosted his mother-in-law at home, treating her to pancakes and trying to show respect. This day is well suited for strengthening family relations, reconciliation between relatives and the elimination of old grievances. It is important for believers to keep a warm atmosphere at the table, avoid arguments and loud feasts.
Saturday, February 21, Sister—in-law gatherings
The sixth day was devoted to meetings of the daughters-in-law with her husband's relatives. The meaning of the day is to establish peace in the family and show hospitality. In the Orthodox tradition, this corresponds to a call for love for one's neighbor and patience. It is considered important not to show irritation, not to hold grudges and not to discuss others behind their backs.
Sunday, February 22nd, is the Forgiven Sunday
The culmination of Maslenitsa is Forgiveness Sunday. On this day, it is customary to address loved ones with the words: "Forgive me," and in response to hear: "God will forgive, and I forgive." For believers, this is one of the most important days of the year. A special rite of forgiveness is performed in churches, after which people enter Lent with a pure heart. In Russia, the holiday was traditionally concluded with a symbolic send-off of winter, but the Christian meaning of the day is primarily repentance, prayer and determination to change one's life.
What can and cannot believers do on Shrovetide
During the whole Cheese Week, meat is no longer consumed, but dairy products, eggs and fish are allowed. Quarrels, foul language, and excessive fun are undesirable. On the contrary, charity, assistance to those in need, attendance at divine services and reconciliation with others are welcomed.
Maslenitsa for believers is a time of taking stock, giving up resentments and gradually restricting food. It is useful to plan a lenten menu in advance, confess, pay attention to prayer and reflect on your own actions. The Cheese Week reminds us that the path to Easter does not begin with strict rules, but with a desire to change, learn to forgive and live in peace with others.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
