On February 14, 2010 «The Russian Season in Montreal» kicked off with a magnificent Winter Carnival (Maslenitsa) organized by the Canadian Foundation of Russian Culture. Its president (Tatiana Krouglikova-Lvova) and vice-presidents (Larissa Shabalinskaya and Lyudmila Fimina) have all done a great job to prepare this ancient Russian holiday. Great contribution was also made by the team of the Carnival, students and parents of the Russian school “Gramota”.
Once again the Foundation confirmed its mission – spreading and developing the great Russian culture and its language, establishing warm relationships with Canadians. The Carnival was a huge success! The excellent organization combined with the efficient work, sincere kindness and hospitality of all participants all contributed to create a warm festive atmosphere.
This Carnival was held under two languages, became the first acquaintance with the rich cultural traditions of Russia for a lot of Canadian participants.
The Carnival started with Tatiana and Larissa who offers greetings from the Foundations. After that the gentle humour and catching amusements accompanied the audience the whole evening. The entertainers, Olga Rukhlyadeva and Natalia Ilyina, recited verses to welcome Maslenitsa, accompanied by the ensemble “Rhythms of the Planet” headed by Tatiana Rozova and Sasha Styopin at the accordion. Famous singer, Stanislav Kholmogorov, in his luxurious garment resembled a respectable merchant of the beginning of the 20th century. He sang numerous folk songs and romances among which: “Golden Moscow”, “I Met You”, “The Long Road” and many others. The singer Lidiya Tolstova presented romances “Sleigh Bells” “Dark cherry shawl”, “Night is light”.
Children from the ensemble ”Rhythms of the Planet” were very touching and fascinating. In addition, young acrobats under the direction of Y. and D. Belyaykovy demonstrated a complicated acrobatic composition.
Guests of the Carnival enjoyed ancient Russian entertainments – sack races, costumes contest and beautiful children round dances. Winners received prizes from the Foundation.
What is a Russian Carnival without delicious food and well-known Russian traditional drinks! There was an abundance of succulent pancakes with various fillings – caviar, smoked salmon, herring, sour cream, honey and jam. Moscow`s vodka and Italian wine complemented the meal. There was also a famous samovar that supplied tea with homemade cakes, sweets and round cracknels.
The Carnival was held at one of the most spectacular places in Montreal – Saint Joseph`s Oratory.
Among the honored guests there were the Consul General of the Russian Federation in Montreal, Mr. A.V. Isakov accompanied by his wife. The Mayor Deputy and the member of the executive committee of the Montreal City Hall, the Deputy Adviser of the CDN district Helen Fotopoulos and President of the Canadian Russian-speaking Congress Adil Kurbanov also came to take part in the festivities.