In pictures: Beginning of Butter Week celebrated near Minsk

Revelers gathered at the Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture near Minsk on February 19 to celebrate the beginning of Maslenitsa (Butter Week), which is observed by Orthodox Christians during the last week before the Great Lent.
They took part in Maslenitsa rituals and were treated to pancakes that have been cooked during Butter Week for centuries, as well as attended a folk music concert.