The main public festivities "Shrovetide" took place in the center of Bishkek on the site between the Historical Museum and the building of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic on Saturday, March 12. The celebration was attended by representatives of many diasporas living in the republic, officials, ordinary citizens, and members of associations of compatriots from Slavic countries. The event was organized jointly by the Embassy of Russia in the Kyrgyz Republic, the Government of Moscow's Representation in Bishkek, the Association of Guilds of Compatriots, the Assembly of Peoples of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Bishkek city administration contributed by providing permission for the festivities, improving the area, and offering informational support.
The festivities were opened by soloists from the Russian song ensemble "Souvenir" and a presentation of a small fair where hot tea, coffee, various sweets, pies, and of course, pancakes could be purchased. Loud music and songs attracted residents and guests of the capital, and by the official start of the celebration, grandfathers and grandmothers who had specially come for the holiday, parents with children, young people, and simply passersby who decided to watch the concert were already gathered near the stage. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Russia to Kyrgyzstan, Andrey Krutko, addressed the audience, congratulating them and giving a brief historical overview.
- Maslenitsa marks the beginning of Great Lent, when people prepare for renewal and purification, - he reminded. – It was celebrated in the past by all Slavic peoples, but each in its own way. For example, in Ukraine, they do not prepare pancakes at the end of Maslenitsa, but make dumplings with cottage cheese and galushki. But I would like to remind you that pancakes for Slavs are not only a pagan symbol of the sun but also a memorial dish. Therefore, Maslenitsa is a double holiday: both an ancient folk celebration and a memorial, from the perspective of Orthodoxy. It coincides with the beginning of spring and new sowing work. By burning the effigy, peasants always asked the patrons for fertility. A distinctive feature of Maslenitsa in Kyrgyzstan is that representatives of all peoples and nationalities come to it; it has become a national holiday, a celebration of spring, which we have been organizing for several years with the help of associations of compatriots.
Andrey Andreevich also noted that this year Kyrgyzstan will host three high-profile guests from the Russian Federation. In April, State Duma Speaker Sergey Naryshkin will arrive, in June – Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, and in September, President of Russia Vladimir Putin will visit Kyrgyzstan. After the official part, "Souvenir" performed its concert program "We Don't Get Bored Over Tea," which included Russian songs and romances. Songs in Kyrgyz, as well as Eastern and Caucasian melodies, sounded over the square – this is how representatives of the Assembly of Peoples of the Kyrgyz Republic congratulated everyone on Maslenitsa. Stage performances were interspersed with folk games, where winners could receive memorable gifts and prizes. Other Maslenitsa entertainments were also presented, such as walking on stilts and kettlebell sports… Several hours flew by unnoticed. And at the end of the day, when it was already getting dark, the organizers traditionally burned the effigy of Maslenitsa, marking the arrival of spring and the removal of all negativity before Great Lent.
The next day, March 13, on "Forgiveness Sunday," the holiday was celebrated throughout the republic. Each region approached the celebration creatively. For example, in Kara-Balta, where residents of the Jayil, Moscow, and Panfilov districts gathered, in addition to the festive concert, there were sports competitions and master classes, as well as exhibitions of crafts made from beads, polymer clay, Khokhloma painting, and origami, and the opening of an "alcohol refueling station." In Osh, the holiday unfolded on the territory adjacent to the Archangel Michael Church. After the morning service, believers and ordinary spectators were treated to a festive costume theatrical performance with songs and dances, a contest of chastushkas, dances, songs, and competitions, as well as a hearty lunch and the main dish of the holiday – pancakes. In Bishkek, part of the city's residents and guests visited the Karagach Grove. The organizers of the local Maslenitsa were the folk ensemble "Cossack Song" of the Bishkek City Administration's Culture and Tourism Department, together with the Cossacks of the Semirechye Cossack Army. The audience was treated to a concert, round dances, and competitions, where participants had to work hard to win prizes: for example, climbing a tall pole where bags with gifts were attached.
For lovers of active recreation, there was a surprise prepared: a traditional festive jeep sprint in the suburbs, at the training ground of the village of Ozyornoye organized by the off-road club "Shturmovik." Despite the fact that getting to the competition site was not easy, there was no shortage of spectators: the event was attended by over 2,000 people. Vehicles of categories "TR-1", "TR-2", ATV 4x4, and 4x2, TR-3 from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan heroically overcame the challenges prepared by the organizers. Crews bravely fought for victory, regularly sinking in mud and clay, deep puddles, providing drive and adrenaline not only for themselves but also for the hundreds of spectators and judges, who found it extremely difficult to determine the winners. For hungry spectators and race participants, stalls with sweets, pancakes, and hot dishes were set up, and local musical groups performed on stage at the training ground. At the end of the event, the winners received diplomas and memorable prizes, and a huge effigy of Maslenitsa was also burned.
It is worth noting that in recent years, not only Maslenitsa but also the eastern spring holiday – Nowruz (Navruz) has become an international celebration for Kyrgyzstan and Russia. It has been celebrated in Moscow for over 10 years, with a designated area in Luzhniki where everyone can come to taste national dishes and learn about the traditions of the holiday. In 2016, Nowruz will take place at VDNH on March 20. According to the press service of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Russian Federation, delegations from the CIS countries, far abroad, and subjects of the Russian Federation, as well as representatives of national public organizations in Moscow and Kyrgyz citizens living or temporarily staying in Moscow, will participate in the celebration as per tradition.