In this year, a giant figure of Labubu, a well-known Chinese designer toy, was burnt at the Maslenitsa celebrations in Russia. It was held in the Lipetsk region in the Archaeological Park called Argamach. What is normally a merry festival that ends winter has become the focus of the attention due to this strange show.
Maslenitsa is a holiday which is celebrated by Slavs in the week before Lent. It is familiar with pancakes, music, games and a big fire. The burning of Labubu was however outstanding this year.
The effigy made of tall and colorful materials was laid into an open field and was then set on fire in the presence of the crowds. The figure was soon engulfed in flames and people were cheering and taking videos on their phones.
A Symbolic Bonfire
The burning had a deeper meaning according to the people who organized the festival. The act, according to the director of the park Alexander Golotvin, represented a revival back to traditional Russian values.
Other characters were burned in the previous years, not to mention Voldemort and even the symbols that were associated with the coronavirus pandemic. Another influence of foreign pop culture was Labubu, which, according to organizers, was selected this year.
Golotvin gave an explanation that they wished to protest against external cultural trends. According to him, there are some western and eastern influences that are changing the traditional Russian life. The burning of the effigy was meant to convey a powerful message by the organizers on the need to preserve national heritage.
Traditions in festivals are still there.
Irrespective of the controversy, numerous traditional Maslenitsa activities were still running as expected. Families sat down together to have blini, Russian thin pancakes prepared with butter, honey, or jam. Others participated in friendly fistfight, which was an old festival tradition. Children were running about the park and the air was filled with music.
The main installation was a dark forest that was installed in the middle of the festival area, measuring 25 meters. It was based on the myth of Danko who became a hero and rescued his people by illuminating the path with his flaming heart. According to organizers, this strong image corresponded with the theme of fire and renewal.
Labubu has been mixedly received on the fire. Some are appreciating culture and others wonder about the high message of it. Nevertheless, to many in Lipetsk, Maslenitsa is a tradition of celebrating spring, uniting with friends and family, and preserving the old traditions.
Watch the video here:
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