Setomaa's Maslenitsa Blends Pancakes, Kettle Curling and Ancient Traditions Before Lent

This year's Shrove Tuesday, known locally as vastlapäev, fell on February 17, marking the start of Lent for many Christian communities. For Orthodox believers in Estonia, the same week brought Maslenitsa—a lively festival blending old traditions with new twists, including a quirky sport called kettle curling.

Maslenitsa, or maaselits in the Seto dialect, took place during the third full week of February. The festival, also called Butter Week (võinädal), overlapped with vastlapäev and served as the last big celebration before the solemn fasting period of Lent. Orthodox Lent then began on Monday, February 18, leading up to Easter Sunday on April 12.

In Setomaa, locals gathered on Lake Obinitsa to enjoy a mix of time-honoured and modern activities. Traditional treats like crepe-style pancakes were served alongside karmoška music and ice carousel rides. A standout feature was kettle curling, a playful sport invented by Aira Tarros, a local woman. Inspired by Olympic curling, the game uses kettles instead of stones, making it easy for anyone to join in.

The event also included sledding and live music, drawing in younger crowds. While strict fasting is less common today, many in Setomaa still observe Lent in personal ways. The celebrations highlighted the region's cultural richness, with Seto Leelo polyphonic singing—a UNESCO-recognised tradition since 2009—playing a key role in keeping local identity alive.

Orthodox Easter, a moveable feast, follows Lent and will be marked on April 12 this year. Earlier in the season, Orthodox Christmas (talsipüühä) was celebrated on January 7, as it is annually.

The festivities on Lake Obinitsa brought together old customs and fresh ideas, from pancakes to kettle curling. With Lent now underway, the community looks ahead to Easter in April. The blend of tradition and innovation continues to shape how Setomaa honours its heritage each year.