Maslenitsa 2026: When it starts and how to celebrate
Maslenitsa remains one of the most beloved folk holidays — with noisy festivities, generous tables, and a symbolic farewell to winter. We are used to Maslenitsa coming in March, but in 2026 it will arrive earlier than usual. Much earlier. So you can start looking for family notebooks with pancake recipes, and we will tell you when Maslenitsa is in 2026 and how it is traditionally celebrated.
When is Maslenitsa in 2026
To calculate the start of Maslenitsa, you need to subtract 56 days from the date of Easter. For example, in 2026, Easter falls on 12 April, so Maslenitsa week will begin in mid-February.
In 2026, Maslenitsa week will run from 16 to 22 February. The next day, 23 February, Orthodox Christians will begin Great Lent.
What is traditionally done on Maslenitsa
Maslenitsa is divided into two stages. The first three days (Monday to Wednesday) are known as Narrow Maslenitsa. Traditionally, at this time, people were still allowed to do housework and prepare for the big festivities. From Thursday, Wide Maslenitsa begins, when any work was postponed and the main activity became fun.
Each day of Maslenitsa week has its own name and meaning.
Monday, 16 February: Meeting
On Monday, the Meeting, the first pancakes were baked. One of them was given to the needy in memory of the deceased. The mother-in-law sent the daughter-in-law to her parents, and in the evening families gathered together. In cities and villages, the preparation of slides and swings for the festivities was completed.
Tuesday, 17 February: Flirting
On Tuesday, the Flirting, young people met and looked at each other. It was believed that successful acquaintances on this day could lead to a wedding after Great Lent, on Krasnaya Gorka (a holiday after Lent). People visited each other and called for Maslenitsa with special incantations.
Wednesday, 18 February: Gourmands
On this day, the son-in-law came to his mother-in-law for pancakes, and she tried to feed him as generously as possible — for good family relations.
Thursday, 19 February: Revelry
Thursday, the Revelry, opened Wide Maslenitsa. All work stopped, people took to the streets, arranged rides, games, round dances, and fist fights. It was considered a bad omen to spend this day at home.
Friday, 20 February: Mother-in-Law«s Evenings
On Friday came the Mother-in-Law«s Evenings. Now the son-in-law invited the mother-in-law to visit, showing respect. Often she came not alone, but with friends — an occasion to show what a caring relative she has.
Saturday, 21 February: Sister-in-Law«s Gatherings
Saturday is the Sister-in-Law«s Gatherings. The young hostess received her husband»s sisters and other female relatives, treated them to pancakes and gave small gifts.
Sunday, 22 February: Forgiveness Sunday
Sunday is Forgiveness Sunday, the culmination of the entire week. On this day, people asked forgiveness from loved ones for offenses, remembered the deceased and visited cemeteries. In the evening, they burned the Maslenitsa effigy, saying goodbye to winter. The ashes were scattered in the fields for the future harvest, and all rich foods were tried to be eaten.
What not to do on Maslenitsa
During Maslenitsa, you can have a wedding, but church weddings are not held on these days, as the week is already considered preparation for Lent. Meat is strictly forbidden, but dairy products, eggs, and fish are allowed. It was also not welcome to refuse guests, to work during Wide Maslenitsa, and to throw away food — leftovers were tried to be given away.
Also, on Maslenitsa, one should not get angry, offend others, or harm other people. Maslenitsa week is a time of fun. It is a reminder of the importance of communication, reconciliation, and the ability to enjoy simple things. So just take a break from the hustle and bustle and meet spring in the right mood.
