Goodbye Russian Winter! Maslyanitsa means "butter" and is a traditional Russian carnival, celebrated during the week just before Lent. Each spring, there are festivals in the major cities and towns to celebrate the end of winter. During this week people cook pancakes served with honey, caviar, fresh cream and butter. It is a joyful festival with dances, songs, national costumes, attractions for children, with hot tea and pancakes served outdoors.

February 23 is dedicated to all men. Also called Army or Soldier Day, all men in Russia are liable for call-up including reservists. On this day women usually give men small gifts. It's followed by Women's Day on March 8.

March 8 is dedicated to all women. It's an official holiday when women receive gifts from men and boys and are relieved from work. Men are supposed to do all the housework. There are prepared presents for women or delivered concerts everywhere. Women's Day was established after the Second International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen in 1910.