Month by Month - Moscow - page 50

Maslenitsa
This fete kicks off Orthodox Lent. Besides bingeing on bliny (crêpes), the week-long festiv-
al features horse-drawn sledges and storytelling clowns. The festival culminates with the
burning of an effigy to welcome spring.
March
The spring thaw starts at the end of March, when everything turns to mud and
slush. It is Moscow's dreariest month: tourists tend to stay away.
International Women's Day
Russia's favourite holiday was founded on 8 March to honour the women's movement. On
this day men buy champagne, flowers and chocolates for their better halves - and for all the
women in their lives.
April
The days are blustery but spring is in the air. Moscow residents flock to
sights and museums during this season, since there are not too many tour-
ists.
Golden Mask Festival
The Golden Mask festival ( www.goldenmask.ru ) involves two months of performances by
Russia's premier drama, opera, dance and musical performers, culminating in a prestigious
awards ceremony in April.
May
Spring arrives! Many places have limited hours during the first half of May,
due to the public holidays. Nonetheless, flowers are blooming and people are
celebrating.