Muscovites on Monday enjoyed day one of the traditional week-long carnival Maslenitsa, ushering in spring and leading to Russian Orthodox Lent.

Moscow residents of all ages were treated to a street fair along one of the city's central lanes, where professional chefs taught master classes on the perfect pancake, or "blini" - the traditional treat of the carnival.

Street performers entertained the pedestrians as little huts placed on the cobble-stone lane especially for the week churned out 35 different types of blini.

Effigies lined the street, dressed as "Lady Maslenitsa" in Russian folk costume. The effigies will be burned later in the week to symbolise spring-like renewal after death. The blini represent the sun of spring.

Later in the week, the street will host performances and concerts as well as other entertainment.

Maslenitsa week began as a pagan ritual and has since been absorbed into the Russian Orthodox Christian tradition. As a part of pre-Lenten celebrations, the bounty of Maslenitsa week prepares the devout for their upcoming fast when meat and dairy would traditionally be forbidden.

The name of the festival has its roots in the Russian word for butter, "maslo", and for Russians, Maslenitsa is a time for feasting.

Presented by Adam Justice