Maslenitsa (Shrovetide) is a traditional Eastern Slavic religious and folk holiday, marking the end of winter that dates back to pagan times. Maslenitsa is celebrated during the last week before Great Lent, preceding Orthodox Easter. During this week, meat is already forbidden to Orthodox Christians, but milk, cheese and other dairy products are still permitted. During Maslenitsa, Russians usually have pancakes, which are made of the ingredients still permitted by Orthodox tradition. Take a look at the Maslenitsa celebrations in Russia, Belarus and Lithuania.