A clear majority of respondents, about 91 percent, celebrate Maslenitsa. socialbites.ca accessed findings from a survey conducted by IC Rosgosstrakh in collaboration with the Cozy Home network of stores, revealing how Russians mark Maslenitsa and the various traditions they observe during this holiday. Rosgosstrakh and Cozy Home survey.
The data show that 36 percent of participants begin Maslenitsa week sharing a meal with loved ones, while 15 percent view the festival as a chance to indulge in pancakes. The focus on food is a recurrent theme across the responses, underscoring Maslenitsa’s role as a celebratory, food-centered rite that blends family time with culinary treats. Rosgosstrakh and Cozy Home survey.
Overall, 82 percent of respondents emphasize pancakes as a staple of the festival, making them the most recognizable symbol of Maslenitsa. More than half of those surveyed, 54 percent, visit friends or welcome guests during the week. In contrast, participation in folk festivals stands at 37 percent, and engagement in traditional games and entertainment drops to 13 percent, suggesting a mix of modern leisure and ancient practice in contemporary celebrations. Rosgosstrakh and Cozy Home survey.
Another traditional practice during Maslenitsa is the burning of a symbolic figure, a ritual observed by 44 percent of respondents. Yet a majority, 53 percent, prefer baking pancakes two to five times throughout the holiday, with 9 percent cooking pancakes every day while the celebration lasts. These figures illustrate a strong preference for shared food creation and daily culinary activity as the centerpiece of the observance. Rosgosstrakh and Cozy Home survey.
Concerning typical fillings, Russians favor sour cream, chosen by 58 percent, followed by caviar at 46 percent, condensed milk at 43 percent, and jam at 34 percent. These preferences reflect regional tastes and family traditions that have persisted across generations, reinforcing Maslenitsa’s role as a festival built around rich, comforting flavors. Rosgosstrakh and Cozy Home survey.
When it comes to the holiday’s meaning, 20 percent of respondents regard Maslenitsa as just another ordinary day, 19 percent see it as a pagan ritual, and the majority, 60 percent, perceive it as a cultural event. This distribution signals a diverse spectrum of interpretations, ranging from secular festivity to deep cultural heritage and spiritual symbolism. Rosgosstrakh and Cozy Home survey.
Earlier reports noted a shift in consumer behavior ahead of Maslenitsa, with red caviar prices rising and demand in Russia fluctuating accordingly. The trends highlight how holiday timing and economic factors can influence traditional consumption patterns during Maslenitsa. Rosgosstrakh and Cozy Home survey.