On the 2nd of March the RCSC played host to its compatriots and their children as one and all came together to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Special preparations for this auspicious day were made by the children’s club under the RCSC (for Russian language and the illustrative arts), which has already seen more than two years of activities. They include greeting cards and a lively divertissement on the theme of March the 8th. There were favorite songs by V. Shainsky and even circle dances by the children. Each young participant prepared an individual speech which was bravely recited on stage.

There were no limits to the participants’ delight when the long-awaited contests and games commenced, in which even the mothers eagerly took part in, among which were “Pretzels”, “Drying clothes” and “Little cooks”.

This event also coincided with the celebration of the traditional Russian religious and folk holiday- Maslenitsa (translated in English as Pancake week).

According to ancient Slavic mythology, Maslenitsa is a sun festival, celebrating the end of winter. Of course, in tropical Malaysia the change of seasons is barely noticeable as it is always hot and humid. Nonetheless, our compatriots honored this age-old tradition by keeping it alive, and joyfully created an atmosphere of pagan revelry. First there was a multimedia presentation by the RCSC’s staff on Maslenitsa. Naturally, the traditional Russian pancakes proved to be the highlight of the day. Not to be missed was the usual tea drinking and table laid with sweet delicacies.

This festive ambience at the RCSC lasted the whole Pancake week. On March the 5th, the eve of Forgiveness Sunday, a spiritual-enlightening service was held by a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church, after which the guests were treated to an abundance of pancakes.