A notable share of Russians, about 41 percent, described Maslenitsa as a genuine holiday in surveys. The organization that carried out the research was VTsIOM, a respected polling institute in the country. The study was conducted via a nationwide telephone survey on a specific March day, drawing responses from approximately 1,600 adults aged 18 and older. The goal was to understand how people across different age groups perceive the festival, its symbolism, and its role in contemporary life. The results shed light on the diverse attitudes that Maslenitsa evokes among the population, from cultural appreciation to social ritual and seasonal celebration. This is not just about food and festivities; it is about how a seasonal week is seen as part of the national timeline and personal experience. The survey thus anchors Maslenitsa in the broader context of cultural identity in Russia and how that identity evolves with time and changing social norms.
Experts highlighted a clear age division in how Maslenitsa is interpreted. Among respondents over 60, more than half, specifically 51 percent, see the holiday as a meaningful celebration rather than a mere event on the calendar. In contrast, a significant portion of younger adults, about 38 percent, view Maslenitsa primarily as an ethnocultural occasion. Within the 25 to 34 age range, nearly half of the participants, about 48 percent, share this ethnocultural perspective, indicating a generational shift in how the festival is framed. The data points to Maslenitsa functioning as a bridge between tradition and modern life, with different cohorts emphasizing different facets of the celebration.
Another interesting finding is that roughly one in ten Russians associate Maslenitsa with pagan rituals. Among younger adults, the share is higher, with 19 percent of those aged 18 to 24 from the survey expressing this view. This reflects a broader conversation about historical roots and the evolving meaning of folk practices in a modern society that is increasingly secular and media influenced. The results reveal that some respondents link Maslenitsa to ancient rites, while others emphasize its social and communal dimensions. This spectrum of interpretations helps explain why Maslenitsa remains a lively topic in public discourse and a flexible cultural symbol that can accommodate different beliefs.
Nearly half of those surveyed described Maslenitsa celebrations as a continuation of long standing folk tradition. A substantial 41 percent expressed the belief that the primary aim of the week is to welcome spring and bid farewell to winter, marking the seasonal transition with warmth, feasting, and communal bonds. A small portion, around 3 percent, indicated that Maslenitsa is simply another reason to indulge in good food before Lent begins. These varied explanations illustrate how the festival functions on multiple levels, offering weathered tradition for some and seasonal renewal for others. The period is seen as a cultural moment that combines ritual, family gathering, and shared memory, which keeps the celebration vibrant across generations.
Conversely, there were respondents who remained skeptical or indifferent toward Maslenitsa. About 3 percent viewed it as unnecessary fuss, 2 percent regarded it as nothing more than a tradition, and 5 percent described Maslenitsa as something else entirely. A small minority, 1 percent, admitted uncertainty about how to characterize the week. This spectrum of opinions underscores that Maslenitsa continues to provoke debate, with some people prioritizing practicality, others valuing ritual meaning, and a few simply not seeing a strong pull in the festival at all. The conversations around Maslenitsa thus reflect broader attitudes toward holidays, culture, and time with family.
In related context, reports note that crepe products have become more expensive in Russia, a trend linked to broader economic factors that can influence how families celebrate Maslenitsa. Rising prices for traditional foods used during the celebration can shape choices, potentially encouraging smaller gatherings or substitutions while maintaining the festive spirit. The interplay between economic conditions and holiday practices highlights how a culture adapts its rituals to sustain meaning in daily life.