VOICED: Russians celebrate official end to winter

In a Moscow suburb, Russians celebrate the end of winter with traditional rituals, including the awakening of bears and the reenactment of the snow fortress. The festival, embodying the spirit of unity, involves protecting and attacking the fortress, culminating in a communal gathering. Lady Maslenitsa is burned to welcome spring, a process symbolizing the transition from pagan to Orthodox Christian traditions akin to Mardi Gras. The festival is a time for pancakes, singing, and dressing up, attracting more participants each year as people seek to reconnect with their cultural roots, despite modern influences.

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