FestRider Photo Blog

Say Goodbye to Winter, Say Hello to Pancakes

Omsk, Krutaya Gorka Neighbourhood
Full Story: 132 photosQuick Impression: 39 photos
Meet Vera Zhilina, an entrepreneur and the contender for the culinary record
Today, she aims to bake 2,026 pumpkin pancakes using her grandmother’s recipe
Members of local public organizations take turns putting on aprons to help
On this day, everyone sings along to the familiar, beloved songs
Despite the frosty weather, the square is packed to the brim
Smiles and applause are the best way to show appreciation for the artists
The flaring skirts are a signature move of this choreographic style
High school students from Krutaya Gorka appear in gypsy costumes
Its climax is the appearance of the gentle spring sun
Let’s take a look at how the parking area near the Cultural Center is being used today
Every square centimeter of the long table is decorated to perfection
An Orthodox priest blesses the generous feast
And in the meantime, there’s time for a photo session — the kind you can only get at Winter Farewell!
Now it’s time to enjoy the food to the fullest!
Today, it’s absolutely forbidden to deny oneself these little pleasures
Girls are just as eager to climb onto the log for their turn in the duels
Why not try this old Winter Farewell pastime?
And another round ends — but thanks to quick thinking and nimbleness, no one takes a fall
The colorful photo zones are busy every single minute
The jesters oversee the humorous “battles” and keep the mood light
By the fiftieth (or maybe seventieth?) lift, even the host’s encouragement becomes priceless
The second part of the concert begins — the guest stars are the “Irtysh” Dance Ensemble
Founded in 1991, the group has been promoting folk choreography ever since
But when they pair up, the whole crowd freezes in awe
And when the female dancers join in, the number gains a whole new depth
There’s youthful daring in every step — this is how we traditionally say goodbye to winter
In many ways, it’s thanks to ensembles like this that Omsk earned its title as a Cultural Capital
According to the belief, the higher and steadier the flames of the embodiment of frost and blizzards burn, the luckier the
…it’s also a collective cleansing from everything bad that happened in the recent past
If you make a wish while watching the Winter Farewell bonfire, it’s sure to come true
Meanwhile, the counter of baked pumpkin pancakes has passed the 1,500 mark
Vera Zhilina, who has been working in the cold for four hours now, stays full of optimism
Finally, portions of the sweet treat are laid out on the long table
Yulia Litvinenko represents the Russian Gastronomic Book of Records
Her mission is to study and promote folk cuisine as part of the country’s cultural code
Among them is Natalia Molotkova, Yulia Litvinenko’s colleague at Chefs Team Russia
All that’s left is to serve the pancakes to the festival guests
Yours truly reporter can confirm: they taste wonderful
Let’s honor the magicians who turned dough into a festive treat!

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