In North America, and many countries around the world, the day before Ash Wednesday conjures mouth-watering images of pancakes. Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Tuesday, is a centuries-old tradition for Catholics using up their fresh ingredients before their 40-day Lenten fast. But a peek into Ukraine’s week-long Масниця, or Masnytsiia, festival puts our Pancake Suppers to shame!
“Masnytsiia is one of the brightest holidays that Ukrainians celebrate, in honor of saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring,” says Roman, Pochaiv site director. “In Ukraine, Masnytsiia also has several other names: Syropusny tyzhden, Kolodiy, Zagovyny, Zapusty. The people associate the holiday with the expulsion of winter and the meeting of warmth. This is a time of joy, relaxation, and joint fun festivities.”
“This festive week, filled with fun games, delicious dishes, and folk rituals, gives hope for a quick warm summer,” says Roman. “This is a great opportunity for Ukrainians to spend time with family and friends, prepare traditional dishes and take part in the rite that symbolizes the victory of spring over winter.”
People have celebrated the coming of spring and new planting seasons since time immemorial. As Christianity flourished in Ukraine, traditional springtime festivals fused with the season of Great Lent as they prepared for Easter.
In 2025, the celebration of Masnytsiia will take place from February 24 to March 2, and it takes the whole week! Monday is the welcoming day, the day for wishing good luck, and for getting outside. Tuesday is matchmaking day – young people make friends and older people socialize. Wednesday is feast day. “Here, pancakes, dumplings, and pies are a must,” Roman says.
Thursday is a day for boisterous fun, feasts, and traditional festivities. Fridays and Saturdays are unique days celebrating in-laws. On the Masnytsiia Friday, sons-in-law invite their mothers-in-law for dinner, and the next day, it’s the daughters-in-law’s turn.
“Sunday is a day of forgiveness; people forgive each other and forgive sins,” he says. The churches hold special services for this. “Masnytsiia is a time for forgiveness and reconciliation. It is believed that if you celebrate in peace, the whole year will be happy.”
It’s also on Sunday that they hold a special tradition – burning the Kolodiy. The Kolodiy is figure made of straw or wood, who symbolizes winter. Setting Kolodiy aflame “is a symbolic farewell to the cold and a desire for warmth and new beginnings.”
While the whole week is meant to be joyous and fun, there are some special ‘rules’ everyone must follow. No spinning yarn, no making meat or cheese, no quarreling.
“Masnytsiia is not only a holiday for family, but also a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and neighbours,” says Roman. “Get together, have fun, and wait for the arrival of spring!”
Roman’s story about Masnytsiia was inspired by a look at Shrove Tuesday traditions over in our Kitchen Party e-newsletter for supporters of our Ladles & Love nutrition program. Click the link to learn more and sign up!