Petrecerea festivalului Maslenița în mediul urban al Chișinăului (exemplul celebrării în anul 2020)

This article discusses the process of celebrating in urban conditions such a spring Russian ritual holiday as Maslenitsa. A comparative analysis of the new and old rituals of Maslenitsa was carried out, as a result of which the transformation of the elements of the holiday was identified in new conditions. The holding of “Sunday of Forgiveness”, which took place on March 1, 2020 in the public park “Stefan cel Mare si Sfânt” in the Chisinau Municipality served as an example. Festivities were organized by the Russian Community of the Republic of Moldova. Based on the field materials collected by the author, the program of events was analyzed. The musical part of Maslenitsa was performed by numerous artistic collectives, musical and dance ensembles, including from educational institutions of the capital. The songs performed reflected the theme of Maslenitsa and the arrival of spring. In addition, students of theoretical lyceums of the city and representatives of various creative associations prepared themed meals with treats. All visitors of the event could try their hand at such competitions as “Strongman”, “Woodcutter”, “Beauty – long braid”, “Snowballs”, “Hammer a nail”. Also, anyone could participate in the traditional horovod (round dance). As on any Maslenitsa, the central attribute was a scarecrow, symbolizing the end of winter. Key words: Maslenitsa, Russians, urban environment, the process of celebrating, traditions