Maslenitsa Week is a traditional East Slavic holiday celebrated during the week before Great Lent. It does not have a fixed date; each year it changes depending on the date of Easter.
In 2026, Maslenitsa begins on February 16 and will last until February 22. The main celebrations will take place on Forgiveness Sunday — February 22. From February 23, believers begin observing the Great Lent.
Maslenitsa Week is traditionally divided into two periods. From Monday to Wednesday is called Narrow Maslenitsa, and from Thursday to Sunday — Wide Maslenitsa. During the first three days of the week, people usually focus on household chores and domestic tasks, preparing to fully enjoy the celebrations in the remaining days.