Green Island's Maslenitsa Festival Unveils a 15-Meter Effigy and Wild Traditions
A grand public festival will bring Maslenitsa celebrations to Green Island Urban Recreation Park on February 22, 2026. The event promises to be the city's most spectacular yet, featuring a towering 15-meter effigy and traditional festivities. Organisers aim to revive the spirit of a true, large-scale Maslenitsa with food, cool math games, and cultural displays for all ages.
The festivities will begin at midday, with gates opening at 12:00 PM sharp. Visitors can explore multiple stations serving hot blini, the iconic Russian pancakes central to Maslenitsa traditions. Alongside food, the event will host round dances, strength contests, and raffles offering valuable prizes.
The highlight of the celebration is a colossal Winter effigy, standing over 15 meters tall—the largest in the city's history. Its 3-meter head will be adorned with a traditional kokoshnik headdress, a nod to classic Slavic designs. For those seeking a challenge, a Maslenitsa pole will test strength and agility, with rewards for successful climbers.
The festival draws inspiration from regional customs across Slavic cultures. In Siberia and the Urals, Maslenitsa often includes crazy games like snowball fights, ice sliding, and the burning of winter demon effigies. Ukrainian traditions, known as Maslyana, feature swing rides and fortune-telling games, while Belarusian communities stage costume parades and ritual dough figure burnings. Green Island's event blends these elements into a single vibrant spectacle.
The festival will transform Green Island Park into a hub of cultural celebration. Attendees can experience traditional games, food, and a record-breaking effigy while enjoying a day of community and spectacle. Organisers hope the event will leave a lasting impression as the city's most memorable Maslenitsa yet.
