Yaroslavl residents will celebrate the Bear Day (or Komoeditsa), the ancient Slavic holiday that is associated with the awakening of famous Russian animal and the advent of spring. The festival will be traditionally held on the last Sunday of March. 

      This holiday has deep roots in ancient Slavic traditions, and is a tribute to the city’s symbol – the bear, depicted on the coat of arms of Yaroslavl.

      The centre of the festival, which takes place March 25, will be the sculpture of the growling bear in front of the walls of Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery.

      According to the traditions and beliefs of the ancient Slavs, such food like porridge, kisel and bakery, made of cereals and honey, was cooked on Komoeditsa. All the traditional holiday dishes were lenten. 

      Source: AiF. Image courtesy: Wikipedia.