When do they celebrate Maslenitsa and Easter in 2026

The spring of the coming year will be rich in bright holidays that will follow each other. First, Russians will celebrate Maslenitsa, and then the main Christian holiday will come — the Resurrection of Christ, or Easter. Izvestia tells about the meaning of these two important events and on what dates they will be celebrated in 2026.

When is Maslenitsa celebrated in 2026

The festive cycle will begin with Maslenitsa, an ancient national holiday that symbolizes the departure of winter and the meeting of spring. Traditionally, the celebrations will last a whole week — from February 16 to 22. The festivities will end on Forgiven Sunday, when it is customary to ask for forgiveness from loved ones for all the offenses caused in order to enter into a fast with a pure soul.

Maslenitsa: folk traditions and rituals

The main attributes of Shrovetide are plentiful treats, primarily pancakes resembling the sun. Pancakes are baked all week. This treat is prepared not only at home, but also at city venues where Carnival festivities take place.

According to custom, the week is divided into two stages: Narrow Maslenitsa — the first three days (from Monday to Wednesday), when household chores were still allowed, and Wide Maslenitsa (from Thursday to Sunday), when all work stopped and the people indulged in fun.

Every day of Maslenitsa has its own name and traditions. So, the first day is called a "Meeting". It marks the beginning of the Cheese Week, when they begin to bake pancakes, build slides and make a stuffed Carnival. The second day is a "Gamble". It's a time of watching and courting. The guys invited the girls they liked to the slides to eat pancakes and get to know each other better.

Pancake week: special omens and superstitions

Folk traditions and customs of celebrating each day of Pancake Day

This is followed by "Dainty", "Revelry", "Mother—in-law's evenings" and "Sister-in-law's gatherings" - a day when young daughters-in-law invited their sisters-in-law and other relatives of her husband to visit them.

The finale of the holiday is the symbolic burning of an effigy of Maslenitsa, personifying the passing winter. It is important to note that today in many cities this ceremony is carried out in compliance with strict fire safety regulations or replaced with other rituals.

The spiritual meaning of the Cheese Week

In the church tradition, Shrovetide week is called Cheese Week (or Meat Week). This is the period of preparation for Lent. Believers are allowed to eat dairy products, fish and eggs, but meat is no longer allowed. Thus, they smoothly move from a regular diet to strict fasting, beginning the path of spiritual purification through prayer, reconciliation with others and good deeds.

When will Easter come in 2026

Great Lent begins immediately after Forgiven Sunday, the last day of Maslenitsa, also known as "Send-off." The fast lasts 48 days and is divided into two parts: Holy Lent (40 days) and Holy Week (the week before Easter). His goal is not just abstinence from fast food, but deep spiritual renewal before the great holiday — the Bright Resurrection of Christ.

In 2026, Lent will last from February 23 to April 11. And on April 12, believers will celebrate Easter, the main celebration of the church calendar, marking the victory of life over death through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter will be early in 2026: when Orthodox and Catholic Christians have the Resurrection of Christ — dates published

Why are the days of celebration of the main Christian celebration different?

Easter: traditions of celebration

The celebrations will begin with a solemn night service on Saturday night. Around midnight, a procession is held around the temples, and on the holiday itself, traditional treats are consecrated: cakes, Easter cheese and colored eggs.

On Easter, all sorrowful emotions and hard work are canceled. According to the charter, this time is devoted to prayer, communication with family and spiritual joy. Moreover, it is not customary to commemorate the dead on the Resurrection of Christ. There is a special day for this — Radonitsa, which in 2026 falls on April 21.

The celebrations will continue throughout the next week, during Holy Week. Solemn services will continue to be held in churches. This time is also considered favorable for baptism and communion. However, wedding ceremonies are not held on Holy Week. They are allowed from the first Sunday after Easter — Fomin Sunday, popularly known as Krasnaya Gorka.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions and prohibitions of the Christmas Meat-eater holiday.