Author of materials about St. Petersburg, travel, excursions, and city routes.
A guide to the history and architecture of Petersburg and its imperial suburbs.
Maslenitsa is perhaps the most anticipated and joyful holiday, loved equally by children and adults. It's a time when we say goodbye to winter, rejoice in the first spring sun, and, of course, eat pancakes. Such festivities happen only once a year, so you simply can't miss them – you absolutely must recharge with great mood for the whole upcoming spring!
Maslenitsa in St. Petersburg 2026: What awaits us?
This year the Peter and Paul Fortress will turn into the center of a large-scale festival "Madam Maslenitsa", whose theme is "Warming up for spring". The celebration promises to be unusual: the organizers decided to combine ancient Russian traditions with modern technologies. Right at the entrance you'll be greeted by huge straw figures of characters from our favorite fairy tales – here are Baba Yaga, Kolobok, and even a hut on chicken legs.
On Cathedral Square you'll be able to hear unusual ethno-beatboxing and a choral performance. For children, a whole fairy-tale town with games and workshops will be built in the Naryshkin Bastion. And if the February frost makes itself felt, you can warm up in a special "warm zone" by a real stove.
Fans of interactivity will enjoy a digital pavilion where, with the help of neural networks, you can "try on" the historical image of a sir or madam and chat with "revived" writers. Be sure to dress brightly! At the festival there will be a "secret sir" who will give prizes to the most creative guests in folk costumes.
Maslenitsa in St. Petersburg in 2026: dates
The festival will take place on the most Maslenitsa weekend:
February 21 (Saturday): from 12:00 to 18:00. At 12:50 a festive procession with a giant Maslenitsa effigy will begin.
February 22 (Sunday): from 12:00 to 19:00. This will be the busiest day with the main treat and the final light show.
Admission to all events is free!
Maslenitsa in St. Petersburg 2026: Pink pancake cake
The most anticipated event will be the presentation of a giant pink pancake pie weighing about 700 kilograms. It will start being handed out to guests on February 22 at 14:30. This pie is not just a dessert, but a true legend. It is made according to an old St. Petersburg recipe, restored based on the traditions of Arina Rodionovna, the nanny of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin.
They say that the poet himself loved such pink pancakes and enjoyed them with pleasure. This year the cake will have a special filling – apples and lingonberries. Trying such a unique historical dish is a chance that doesn't come often!
The Recipe for Those Very Pink Pancakes
If you want to host a little Maslenitsa at home, we'll share the secret recipe that was used to cook for Pushkin:
- Wheat flour – 200 g
- Eggs – 4 pcs.
- Butter – 30 g
- Sour milk – 1.5 cups
- Beetroot – 1 pc. (for color)
- Salt, sugar – to taste
How to Make Pink Pancakes
- Secret ingredient: grate the beetroot on a fine grater and squeeze the juice through cheesecloth – it's what gives the delicate pink color.
- Mix the egg yolks with the sifted flour until smooth.
- Add the melted butter, gradually pour in the sour milk and, finally, the beetroot juice.
- Separately, whip the egg whites until fluffy and gently fold them into the batter along with the sugar and salt.
- Fry in a preheated pan until golden. Best served with white gooseberry jam.
Maslenitsa at the Peter and Paul Fortress is a great occasion to gather the whole family, touch the history of St. Petersburg and simply have a good time. The highlight of the holiday on Sunday evening will be a theatrical procession and a bright light and pyrotechnic show on the bank of the Kronverksky Strait. Come for the spring mood and your portion of the famous pink pie!
