Maslenitsa festival is a popular seven-day Orthodox Christian holiday which celebrates the arrival of spring- in Moscow alone more than 500 events are planned every year.

Russia celebrated the last day of its annual Shrovetide celebration by horse riders showing off their skills and burning the Effigy of Lady Winter.

The folk festival kicked off this week in St Petersburg as locals, actors and performers baked their traditional pancakes, sledged and fought with snowballs while dressed as fairy tale characters.

The Russian festivity is famous for its pancakes, locally known as blini, and its' unusual toppings and fillings. This includes caviar, sour cream and salmon.

A large straw dummy, which is dressed up in folk fancy dress, is made in the coming weeks to represent winter. The figure is then burned on the last day as hundreds of families watch on to wave goodbye to the cold season. 

The festival originates from Slavic mythology and is usually celebrated in the last week before the Great Lent- this year it took place from 20th to 26th February.

Today was the final day and it is recognised as the time of the week for forgiving. It gives people the opportunity to forgive the wrongs done against them. 

Monday: Welcome Maslenitsa by eating an abundance of pancakes

Tuesday: Be young again and play by snow sledging

Wednesday: Indulge your sweet tooth as Russian cafes offer special menus 

Thursday: Revelry by ice skating and cross-country skiing

Friday: Mother-in-law day where families stroll through their local parks 

Saturday: Dash through the snow as hundreds of families partake in winter sports activities 

Sunday:  Say hello to spring by burning the  Maslenitsa

Source: Parallel, Russia Travel Specialists