Russians mark end of winter with tradition from pagan times

Maslenitsa is also known as Pancake Week and is a traditional Russian holiday marking the end of winter that dates back to pagan times (Photo: AP)

Artists perform as people celebrate the start of Maslenitsa, or Pancake week, in Moscow, Russia (Photo: AP)

A performer plays the balalaika as people celebrate the start of Maslenitsa, or Pancake week, in downtown Moscow, Russia (Photo: AP)

A performer dressed as a bear entertains as people celebrate the start of Maslenitsa, or Pancake week (Photo: AP)

A man tries to climb atop a pole to win souvenirs as people celebrate the start of Maslenitsa, or Pancake week, in Moscow (Photo: AP)

A giant doll is seen among the crowd as people celebrate the start of Maslenitsa, or Pancake week, in downtown Moscow (Photo: AP)

Children touch a performer dressed as a bear as people celebrate the start of Maslenitsa, or Pancake week (Photo: AP)