Lady Maslenitsa festival returns with blini tips from nutrition experts

The Lady Maslenitsa festival will return to St. Petersburg's Peter and Paul Fortress on February 21 and 22, 2026. This modern take on the traditional Russian holiday will feature food, music, and cultural activities. Meanwhile, nutrition experts have shared advice on enjoying blini—the festival's signature dish—without overdoing it.

Alexey Nikonov, editor-in-chief of Statsionar-Press, offered guidelines for healthy blini consumption. A healthy adult can safely eat 2-3 blini in one sitting, while athletes may have 3-4. Children should stick to 1-2 small blini, and those on a weight-loss diet can enjoy up to two—but not daily.

For a lighter batter, Nikonov recommended using one egg per batch and milk with 1% to 2.5% fat. Swapping some white flour for whole-grain, buckwheat, or oat flour adds fibre and helps keep you full longer. A well-heated pan also cuts down on oil during frying.

When it comes to toppings, frozen berries make a healthier sweet option than jam or preserves. For savoury blini, boiled chicken or turkey, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh herbs work best. Nutritionists suggest eating blini for breakfast or lunch to avoid a heavy feeling later in the day.

The festival will blend tradition with contemporary celebrations over two days. Visitors can enjoy blini while keeping portion sizes and ingredients in check. Organisers have not yet announced details on event attendance or cultural programme changes for 2026.