Beginning of Russian Shrovetide Celebrated in Washington

The traditional Russian Shrovetide was celebrated in the Russian Embassy in Washington on Friday. The Russian 'pancake ball', held on the initiative of Russian Ambassador to the USA Yuri Ushakov for the 4th time already, saw several hundreds of guests, including representatives of American political and business circles and Russian diaspora.

Some 7,000 pancakes and 15 kilograms of caviar were prepared to treat the guests. Many invitees enjoyed Russian delicacies, skilfully made by Russian cooks, for the first time.

The traditional Shrovetide celebration in Washington was accompanied by a colourful performance of the Gypsy ensemble.

Representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church in Washington participated in the holiday preparations. The guests made donations for benefit of St. Nicholas' Cathedral in Washington and the 8th municipal hospital of St. Petersburg.