Maslenitsa at HSE University: Spring Festival to Bring Students and Teachers Together
In mid-March, HSE University celebrated one of the most enjoyable traditional feasts in Russia—Maslenitsa. The cheerful atmosphere allowed students to forget about their studies while they sang songs, danced in circles, took part in competitions, and, of course, ate pancakes and gingerbread.
The celebration, organised by the Faculty of Humanities, took place in the building on Staraya Basmannaya Ulitsa.
‘The top priorities for our students are learning and research. However, it is important for students and teachers to find time to communicate outside of the classroom and laboratories. And if the cause for communication is a feast, then the effectiveness of communication only increases,’ says Felix Azhimov, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, HSE University.
Maslenitsa was celebrated during the day break between classes, so that each student could enjoy some pancakes and hot tea.
Participants in the festive activities shared their emotions and impressions of Maslenitsa with the HSE News Service.
Polina Koroptsova, second-year student of the Bachelor's in Korean Language, Literature, and Culture
— A friend told me about the upcoming event, and I decided to go have some fun, too. The pancakes are very tasty, and the atmosphere is merry. I love Maslenitsa, and it’s cool that it is held at HSE University. There are so many people here to meet and chat with.
Katya Galtsova, first-year student of the Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies and History of Ancient Israel
— I love this kind of action and couldn't miss it. Anyways, from early morning, I could see through the window that something was brewing in the courtyard. I’ve tried all the treats; they are all very tasty. The pancakes are almost like my mother’s, with jam and sour cream. For me personally, these events are very important, I had a difficult adaptation process, I did not understand whether HSE University was the place for me or not. But when I find myself at these events, where everyone is having fun, I understand that I want to be here.
Nina Maksimenkova, third-year student of the Bachelor’s in History
— I decided to come and listen to my groupmate sing. And also eat pancakes, but there is still a queue for them. I also just wanted to have fun—simply because I love Maslenitsa. It’s great here, and it’s great that so many people have gathered.
Learn more about Maslenitsa in Moscow on the Life in Moscow website.