The Farewell to Winter (Maslenitsa) is one of Russia's most vibrant and deeply rooted traditions. This Slavic festival marks the symbolic transition from winter to spring, celebrating the harmonious bond between people and nature. For many Vietnamese students who have studied in Russia, participating in Maslenitsa, especially in the scenic Kalistovo forest near Moscow, leaves an unforgettable memory of warmth, tradition, and camaraderie.

Luc Thien Thanh, a student who participated in an internship in Russia during 2021-2022, reminisces about the magical festival. "We first learned about Maslenitsa from Professor Varvara at the A.S. Pushkin State Russian Language Institute. She explained how winter in Russia, with its piercing cold winds and sub-zero temperatures, blankets the country in thick layers of ice and snow for five long months. The Farewell to Winter festival is, therefore, a much-anticipated celebration and a time when people embrace the first warm rays of spring and prepare for the upcoming planting season."

Despite its simplicity as there are no flashy lights or modern stage, Maslenitsa in the Kalistovo forest draws hundreds of people from all over, thanks to its rustic charm. Wooden seesaws, slippery poles, and snow-built mazes are just a few of the festival’s traditional games that bring joy to all ages.

The festival grounds are divided into various zones, including areas for games, cooking stations, and warming spots. Thanh fondly recalls the warm welcome from locals at the festival entrance, where participants had to sing, recite a poem, or perform a traditional dance to be admitted. Thanh and her friends sang the well-loved Russian folk song, "Antoshka": "Antoshka, let’s go plant potatoes; Antoshka, let’s play the harmonica..."

"The crowd joined in, singing along with us. When we finished, we were met with applause and smiles. It was a heartwarming moment that made us feel, despite our different nationalities, that the souls of Vietnam and Russia were united as one," recalled Thanh.

Thanh also participated in the "breaking the snow fortress" game, a Maslenitsa staple. Teams took turns trying to capture the flag atop a snow fortress while the other side defended it with snowballs.

"The games reflect the strength and resilience of the Russian people. The music, cheers, and laughter filled the air, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Engaging in cultural festivals like this gives international students a deeper understanding of Russian culture," added she.

Nguyen Hoang Khang, a current student in Moscow, also felt the warmth and hospitality of the Russian people during Maslenitsa.

"We trekked ten kilometers through a forest covered in ice and snow to fully experience the authentic Maslenitsa," recalled Khang.

“The ice was slippery, and we fell several times, our hands and feet turning red from the cold. But our excitement to explore Russian culture kept us going.

Along the way, Russians offered their help, showing us how to navigate the icy paths. At the festival, we made many Russian friends. We sat around the fire, grilling sausages and blini (Russian pancakes), talking about the histories of Russia and Vietnam, and competing in traditional games like snow mountain and wrestling," said Khang.

Even though they were strangers, the locals helped push the wooden swings and seesaws for Khang and his friends.

"These simple games forged genuine connections between us, bridging the cultural gap between Vietnamese and Russians," he added.

Sushki bread rings. (Photo: Bach Duong)

A unique tradition at Maslenitsa involves wearing necklaces made of sushki bread rings. After getting acquainted, people share the bread from their necklaces as a symbol of newfound friendship.

The Russians enthusiastically helped the Vietnamese students fry blini, which Khang likens to Vietnamese Tet cakes, banh chung, and banh tet. Blini, round like the spring sun, are often served hot with butter, jam, or honey.