Since olden times, festivities have been organized on Shrovetide. Farewell to winter passed noisy, merrily, with a festive feast, an abundance of pancakes, visits to visit, because the Maslenitsa week preceded Lent. The people wanted to have fun before a long abstinence from light food, so fairs were organized on the street, a stuffed animal was burned, everyone was treated to hearty pancakes and strong drinks. In our time, the tradition to see off the winter and meet the spring has been preserved. We bring to your attention the original scenarios for the Maslenitsa holiday, so that people of all ages can have fun from the heart.
In 2020, Maslenitsa is celebrated from February 24 to March 1. Great Lent begins on March 2.
Shrovetide festivities in the city and in the countryside
Shrovetide lasts a whole week, and its main attributes are:
- stuffed carnival;
- pancakes;
- festivities;
- trade fairs;
- sledding and sledding;
- visiting relatives;
- festively laid tables.
The holiday came to us since pagan times, and got its name due to the fact that before the beginning of Great Lent it was allowed to eat butter.
For people who are fasting, the church strongly recommends excluding meat dishes from the diet during Maslenitsa week, but you can eat fish and dairy products.
Both in the city and in the countryside, delicious pancakes with various fillings, caviar, fish, pastries and other dishes are always present on festive tables. All week they receive guests and go to their friends and relatives. There are also noisy folk festivals with cheerful music, incendiary dances, fairs and sales. On the last day, the burning of the Maslenitsa effigy traditionally takes place. In rural areas, ash is scattered over the fields so that there is a rich harvest.
At fairs and festivals, disguised artists amuse those present, organize exciting contests for adults and children, treat them to pancakes, pies, dumplings and other delicious dishes.
Traditional entertainment offered to residents of the city and village:
- Sledging;
- tug of war;
- snowball games;
- burning of an effigy of Maslenitsa;
- fist fights;
- stilt cross;
- round dance.
If possible, spend a holiday in nature, because outside the city there is an opportunity to have fun with all the heart. You can make a fire and bake traditional pancakes directly over an open fire or coals.
Fascinating events are held in the farmsteads. In the fresh air, you can take part in competitions, have a round dances, watch a stuffed animal being burned, ride a sleigh or ride in a chaise. After - gather with friends and relatives in a cozy restaurant and taste delicious traditional Maslenitsa dishes.
A ready-made script for Shrovetide on the street for all ages
To arrange massive street festivities for the people, you will need the following props:
- Shrovetide doll for burning;
- hot tea, pancakes, jam, honey, bagels, gingerbread and other treats;
- 2 logs 2-3 meters long (you need to firmly fix them at the base, having previously tied bags with surprises to the top);
- 2 pillows and other props for the "Pillow Battle" contest;
- bags of flour;
- cow-shaped cover for two people;
- a firmly installed post with colored bands attached;
- prizes for participants in competitions.
On the site where the event will take place, a stage or platform is installed. Artificial bright flowers, balls, life size puppets (bear, snowman, fox, squirrel, smart doll, buffoon and others) are suitable as decoration.You also need to think about where the Shrovetide effigy will be burned so that it is safe.
According to fire safety rules, there must be at least two working fire extinguishers.
Tents with treats and souvenirs are set up along the perimeter so that people can drink hot tea or mulled wine, taste pancakes and other treats, and purchase symbolic Maslenitsa gif.webpts.
The holiday begins with cheerful music. The presenter in the costume of a Russian beauty rises on the stage.
Leading:
How many guests Maslenitsa meet,
Everyone sees off the cold winter.
Let's eat and drink deliciously,
And amicable round dances to drive.Good people, I bow to you in the belt! We have gathered here to meet the warm spring sun and have fun celebrating Maslenitsa. This holiday was also celebrated by our ancestors, and you and I should have fun with all our hearts. Ready?
The presenter in the costume of a buffoon enters the stage.
Leading:
I am a funny buffoon,
I didn't bring you peas
And not oats and elderberries,
And delicious pancakes.
Let the winter be cold
She walks not hungry.
We will see her as soon as possible,
To make it much warmer.
An actor in a bear costume appears:
Do not be afraid of me, I am a kind bear,
From the forest I was in a hurry to catch the holiday.
Where do they dance around here?
Have fun people!
The buffoon and the Bear leave the stage to the audience.
Leading:
Let's all prepare together for the arrival of Maslenitsa. Buffoon, Bear, gather two teams.
Members of one team are tied with blue scarves, members of the other - red. Each team is given a large bag. A cheerful melody sounds.
Leading:
The task is simple. You must collect as many Shrovetide gif.webpts as possible in your bags.
The participants, together with the Skomorokh and the Bear, go to tents and ordinary people, collecting bagels, gingerbread cookies, souvenirs and other gif.webpts in bags. Whoever has more "trophies" in the bag won. Each participant is awarded a prize. The contents of the bags are distributed to the audience.
Leading:
We appeased Shrovetide with gif.webpts, and now it's time to have some fun. Those who wish should climb the slippery pillar upstairs, where the bags with gif.webpts are attached. Whoever got there gets the prize.
One of the Shrovetide days is called "Gourmet". And now a competition for the fastest eating pancakes awaits you.
A cow appears on the stage (two participants put on a cow costume).
Leading:
Cute ladybug
Escapes deftly.
Come on, people, catch up
And treat them to pancakes.
The cow goes down to the audience and runs away from them. Usually people like this spectacle very much: they happily catch up with the cow, try to feed and pet.
Leading:
Now there will be a competition for the strongest and bravest. The sixth Maslenitsa day is called "Zolovkin". What do the sister-in-law love? It is correct that everyone is carried into the house, and unmarried women look closely at strong men. Show me, men, what you are capable of!
Those wishing to participate are selected. Each participant should sit down as many times as possible with a full sack of flour. The Bear and the Skomorokh support the participants and count the number of squats. The winner receives a prize.
Leading:
The next competition is a pillow fight.
Mats are brought to the stage, two sports equipment-goats are placed. Participants sit on the "goats", each takes a pillow in his hands. Their task is to shoot down the enemy with a shell.
Buffoon:
Winter does not recede
It covers with snow.
Finally from the heart
Let's play snowballs.
People start throwing snowballs. If there is no snow outside, the Bear and Skomorokh distribute cotton or paper snowballs.
Leading:
Now is the time to say -
Let's go burn the Scarecrow.
Cold, see off the blizzard,
To meet warm rays.
Under ditties and jokes, the people, led by the Skomorokh and the Bear, go to the place where a pole with a doll is attached. After the ritual burning of the scarecrow, the host invites everyone to a round dance around the pole with ribbons, and then merry dances are arranged.
Between competitions, amateur performances are shown on the stage so that the audience does not get bored.
What can you do in kindergarten?
Shrovetide is an ancient Slavic holiday that children must get to know from a very early age. Usually, events in kindergarten are held in the music hall, but on Shrovetide it is better to gather the children on the street. Firstly, all the groups will participate, because so many children will not fit in the music hall. And secondly, kids will be able to feel the authenticity of the event and enjoy outdoor games. The only thing that can interfere with an amazing holiday is bad weather.
The preparatory part involves choosing a place where the event will take place. Decorate it with balloons and ribbons. You also need to think about what the musical accompaniment will be.
Characters:
- a girl in a Russian folk costume;
- 2 buffoons;
- Shrovetide doll (you need a bright sundress, a scarf on your head, you can draw a blush on your cheeks).
1st buffoon:
Get together people
Dance and play.
Shrovetide is coming to us,
Sings resounding songs.
2nd buffoon:
Eat a delicious pancake
Get on the pole.
Lead round dances
You spend the winter.
A Russian beauty comes out to the buffoons.
Leading:
Hello guys! Do you know what holiday we all celebrate today?
Children shout in unison:
Maslenitsa!
Leading:
Our ancestors had fun from the heart, and we will try not to get bored. Do you promise?
Cheerful music sounds, under which buffoons carry Maslenitsa in their arms.
Leading:
Who came to us in a painted scarf?
It was Maslenitsa that visited our garden house.
I brought joy and fun with me,
We see off winter, long live spring!
Hello dear Maslenitsa! We've been waiting for you!
Maslenitsa:
I'm so smart
Daring cheerleader.
Come on, kids, come on
Do the round dances.
Skomorokhs invite children to music to gather in a big round dance around Maslenitsa. Then comes the time for riddles. For the correct answer, children receive a surprise.
Examples of riddles:
I am round like the sun
But I don't look at the window.
I'm asking you for a plate,
I'll come in handy with sour cream. (Pancake)
On the holiday of farewell to winter
Today we are having fun.
The people are gathering
The scarecrow of winter will burn.
What a holiday, tell me
Children, just name it. (Maslenitsa)
Since it is usually cold outside at the end of winter, be sure to arrange outdoor games for the children:
- "Stream";
- throwing snowballs (real or made of cotton wool);
- tug of war;
- catch-up.
Maslenitsa:
Children, I was in such a hurry to see you that I lost the pancakes on the way. Help me find.
In advance, you need to lay out the circles cut from yellow cardboard around the territory. Children have to find all the pancakes and put them on the Shrovetide tray.
Leading:
There is such a custom on Shrovetide: on Forgiveness Sunday everyone asks each other for forgiveness and hugs. Let us hug those around us and apologize to them.
Maslenitsa:
That's all, it's time, friends,
Oh, I had some fun.
I wish you to be obedient,
Nice and good-natured.
Obey your elders, and I'm leaving,
I love all of you guys, I hug you.
At the end of the holiday, you can have a tea party with traditional pancakes, dryers, bagels and gingerbread.
How to celebrate at school?
The school prepares for Shrovetide in advance: they come up with interesting scenarios, collect the necessary props, draw invitation cards for parents. The task of teachers and organizers is to acquaint students with the ancient Slavic traditions of seeing off winter. Classrooms are decorated with posters depicting a Maslenitsa doll, fragrant pancakes, and a bright sun.
On the street you can arrange a fancy-dress party. Schoolchildren dress up in Russian folk costumes - they can be buffoons, parsley or life-size puppets. The presenters greet those present at the holiday and invite them to take part in the folk fun. Children perform with songs and dances, round dances, active games and competitions are organized.You can show several theatrical scenes with the participation of students and teachers.
On Shrovetide, offer students tug-of-war, bag running, pillow fights, and snowball fights.
In the open air or in a school building, set a festive table with samovars, fragrant tea and pancakes with various fillings. Girls and mothers usually bring all kinds of pastries to the sweet table.
In elementary school, you can organize an exhibition of holiday-themed crafts. The author of the most original creation wins a prize.
School scenes for Shrovetide
It is advisable to dilute musical and sports festive events with theatrical scenes, which the children will surely like.
Two buffoons appear on the stage.
1st buffoon:
Eh, guys, we meet Shrovetide,
We see off the cold winter.
2nd buffoon:
We have fun from the heart
All the fun is good!
Then a loud cry is heard.
1st buffoon:
Yegorka, do you hear? Who is it?
2nd buffoon:
I don’t know, usually they just laugh at Shrovetide, sing and dance in round dances.
Princess Nesmeyana comes out to the buffoons.
1st buffoon:
Princess, why are you crying? Shrovetide, after all, you need to have fun!
Nesmeyana:
AAAAA, my mother kicked me out of the house! She took the tablet, turned off Wi-Fi, you can't play games, you can't sit on the Internet.
2nd buffoon:
Hey princess, look
Today is a big holiday.
Everyone is having fun from the heart
So you dance and sing.
Nesmeyana:
No, no, I have no time for dancing and round dances. Elena Beautiful broadcast on Instagram launched, but I will not see uuuuuuu!
1st buffoon:
Why do you need some kind of internet,
There are delicious pancakes, fun, probably not?
Nesmeyana:
And what kind of holiday is it today?
2nd buffoon:
Today Maslenitsa has come
She brought some refreshments.
We see off the winter
We meet the sun.
1st buffoon:
So many treats
Games and entertainment.
Shrovetide, Shrovetide,
A lot of impressions.
Nesmeyana:
And you were going to have fun here, treat yourself and rejoice without me ??? AAAAAAA (starts crying again).
2nd buffoon:
No, what are you, princess, we have been waiting for you very much. Now we will drink tea and play with the guys.
1st buffoon:
I show you what we are going to drink tea with. If it's edible, guys, rub your stomachs and say: "Yum!", And if it's inedible, make grimaces and shout "Beeeee!"
The buffoons take out a large basket and take out in turn any items and products: an apple, a shoe, jam, a hat, etc.
The following characters take part in the next scene:
- two buffoons;
- Winter-winter.
1st buffoon:
Today we say goodbye to Zimushka,
But we do not cry, we smile.
2nd buffoon:
We are waiting for the warm, clear sun
And the mood is great.
1st:
How much snow has brought us
But I want to get warm as soon as possible.
2nd:
Thank you, Zimushka, for the slides and snowballs,
For sledges, skis and beautiful nature.
Frost and sun are great, but we
We are all waiting for a rather warm weather.
Zimushka comes out to the buffoons.
Winter:
I'll have to say goodbye to you
Change places with spring.
But again next year
I'll definitely come.
1st buffoon:
Our ancestors said goodbye to winter cheerfully, fervently, and this holiday was called Maslenitsa.
Winter:
Forgive me for frightening the cold
I'm going on a long journey.
I'm tired for these months
Time to get some rest.
Winter leaves on a sleigh carried by buffoons.
Shrovetide script at the House of Culture
Characters of the holiday with contests:
- buffoons;
- Winter-winter;
- Maslenitsa;
- Baba Yaga.
Buffoons run out onto the stage, greet the audience. They tell what Maslenitsa is and how it has long been celebrated in Russia. Then the buffoons invite everyone to play the famous game "Stream".
Zimushka-winter appears and makes riddles. Those who guess it are given a gif.webpt.
Winter:
Have fun from the heart
But I'm tired of something
The games are certainly good
Yes, now I have become old.
Let's call spring soon
And I'm going on vacation.
Let it be warmer for you
While I sleep off.
Everyone is calling spring in chorus. Spring rises on the stage, Winter gives her the key from nature and leaves the hall to the music.This is followed by a concert number, after which Baba Yaga appears, disguised as Maslenitsa. Spring asks Baba Yaga riddles, she does not name a single correct answer.
Baba Yaga:
Well, okay, got me through, I'm not Shrovetide. But can I stay with you to lead a round dance?
Those who wish come onto the stage, stand in a circle and, to the music, begin to dance around Baba Yaga. Here, in the center of the round dance, a real Maslenitsa appears. Baba Yaga joins the others, and Shrovetide remains in her place.
Maslenitsa:
I was in a hurry to see you,
Days and nights flew by.
Finally it came
Has brought you joy.
The buffoons invite everyone to take part in the tug-of-war. Then funny ditties are sung on the stage, and then the audience is offered several more contests:
- running in bags;
- snowball games;
- eating pancakes at speed;
- puzzle contests.
After the show, the buffoons invite all the spectators to dance and treat themselves to tea with pancakes.
How to celebrate in Sunday school?
At Sunday school, children can be told about the Maslenitsa holiday. Particular attention should be paid to Great Lent, which occurs immediately after Forgiveness Sunday. Children are asked riddles about Maslenitsa, winter and spring, and Russian folk tales are remembered. You can arrange a puppet show, in which the main characters will be Maslenitsa, Zimushka, Petrushka, and fairy-tale characters. At the end of the event, the presenter tells that on Sunday, the last day of Pancake Week, everyone asks each other for forgiveness, which is why it is called Forgiven. Children hug each other and ask for forgiveness. Then the children are invited to a festive tea party.
Maslenitsa is a cheerful folk holiday, which at all times was celebrated noisily and on a grand scale. Nowadays, they try to maintain the ancient Slavic traditions: they bake pancakes, organize mass festivities, theatrical performances with contests and amusements.
