Maslenitsa ritual marking end of winter in Russia

As the last vestiges of winter cling to the Russian landscape, a 25-metre high wooden structure was set on fire at the Nikola Lanivets art park in Russia's Kaluga region as part of celebrations for Maslenitsa. Maslenitsa is one of the region’s most ancient festivals and is also a Lenten Christian holiday, though it aligns specifically with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Celebrants traditionally greet the holiday’s leading lady called Lady Maslenitsa and they dressed her in old clothes, placed the effigy on poles, and carried her on a sleigh. Villagers would often throw old clothes and objects onto the bonfire, burning away the past to make room for the future.