Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On February 21, the traditional Maslenitsa festival took place at the main building of Novosibirsk State University. Students, faculty, and guests participated in folk games, master classes, and musical performances, and enjoyed pancakes and hot tea.
The celebration began with a Maslenitsa procession around the buildings of the university's new campus. Participants in folk costumes performed traditional songs, after which a festive program unfolded on the square in front of the main building, featuring round dances, competitions, and folklore performances.
According to Elena Krasilova, Head of the Department of Youth Policy and Educational Work at NSU, the university's Maslenitsa has a long history and has become one of the enduring traditions of student life:
"Maslenitsa has been celebrated at NSU for several decades and has deep roots thanks to the university's folklore groups, KrAsota, and the Semyonov Den ethnoclub. This year, the youthful games with the Voivode and Maslenitsa were particularly memorable: a banya with brooms in the snow, tug-of-war, and a wall-to-wall contest. At the end, the participants fraternized and passed around a bowl of kind words. Many heartfelt wishes were offered—manly restrained and at the same time very touching," she said.
The event was organized by teams from the NSU Youth Policy Department (artistic director Ekaterina Buyanova) and the Semyonov Den ethnic club. The university's student clubs also participated in the preparation and execution of the event.
The NSU Handicrafts Club held a workshop on making amulet dolls from thread. Students from the NSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics have been helping guests craft dolls from scraps of fabric for three years now. They began this project as part of their "Fundamentals of Project-Based Activities" course, and have been part of the Maslenitsa organizing team for three years now.
"These master classes are very popular; there are always plenty of students eager to make something with their own hands. Even temperatures of around -20°C didn't discourage the participants," noted Elena Krasilova.
Participants of the kvARTira theater studio performed as buffoons and peddlers: guests could receive a pancake or a lollipop for a song, poem, proverb, or ditty.
The sports portion of the program was prepared by the Modern Sword Fighting Club and the "ENOT" student sports club. Guests had the opportunity to participate in folk competitions, including felt boot throwing, stick horse racing, and duels in special equipment.
Particular attention was paid to the international participation in the celebration. The NSU Interclub and the Novosibirsk Association of International Students presented a dance program, reminding us that winter farewell traditions exist in many cultures around the world.
According to Anastasia, a participant in the festival, Maslenitsa also became a platform for students from different countries to connect:
"Maslenitsa is an incredibly important holiday for our culture. It's a truly vibrant event: there are circle dances, pancakes, and tea. Most importantly, it's a place where you can meet foreign children, talk with them, and immerse them in our culture. It's a truly unifying experience—one of fun, traditions, and celebration. It's simply impossible to celebrate such a day without a splash of color," she shared.
In addition to NSU students and staff, guests from other educational institutions took part in the celebration: the folklore ensemble "Okolitsa" from SUSPS, the creative association "Capital of Siberia," and students from the Novosibirsk Regional College of Culture and Arts.
According to the organizers, university Maslenitsa helps preserve Russian folk traditions and the living language, and brings together different generations. Students, faculty, and young families with children attend the celebration every year:
"Maslenitsa showcases the beauty of our customs and helps us preserve family values. It's a holiday that truly brings people together," Elena Krasilova emphasized.
Photo: Nikita Legkov, Pavel Kokanov, NSU Photo Club
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