Maslenitsa celebration

Maslenitsa is the Russian celebration that precedes the Lenten fast for Orthodox Christians. It is a happy time, with special servings of Blini(Russian pancakes) with many delicious additions. Russian Easter this year is on April 27. Maslenitsa is celebrated this year in at least three locations:

1. USF Russian Club will celebrate Maslenitsa on Sunday, March 2 beginning about 2:30 in the USF park on FletcherStreet east of the USF campus near the Hillsborough River. Games, music, and blini! Russian Heritage members are welcome. Bring some food to share.Call 813-971-0223 for more information.

2. The St. Petersburg Nights Russian Restaurant and Lounge, 6800 Sunset Way,St. Pete Beach, FL. Phone:727-363-3832.Sunday, March 2, beginning at 5:00 pm with the movie "Snegurochka" (the Snow Maiden) with English Subtitles. At 6:30 live performances by Boris & Sax, and Katya performing Russian Romances.Cost:$25. Russian Heritage members are offered a $5 discount.

3. Russian-American Club invites you to a traditional "Russian Blini" on Friday,March 7 at 4:00 pm at the building of the Russian-American Club, 2920 Beach Boulevard in Gulfport. A musical program of Russian songs and romances featuring Sergei and Faina Boldireff will be a highlight of the celebration along with the traditional foods and drinks.Cost: $30. Reservations by March 4.Call 727-367-2092 for more information.