It is common to end Shrovetide (Maslenitza), which is the last week before the fasting begins, with all kinds of pastimes that usually occur during carnivals. Around this time, many icy hills are created in Saint Petersburg and its surroundings, the most remarkable of which being Ohta, situated 7 versts from the fortress; there you can see the working-class people sliding down in small birch-bark sleds, guided by a driver.
The Russians, mostly working-class people, indulge in all kinds of excesses and pleasures, and at no other time during the year can you see so many drunk people as during this week, therefore it is even dangerous to walk in the streets.
After this week, there is complete silence in the city, and the fasting and regrets over indulgences begin. During the first and last week of the fasting, Russians are forbidden to eat fish, butter, milk and eggs, however they are allowed to eat fish dishes in-between; during the whole period, they have to survive on root-crops, cabbage, mushrooms or button mushrooms, cucumbers and similar fruits of the earth, which they may enjoy only served cold. Thus, Russians are more restricted during the fasting than Catholics.
February in Creative Museum Planner 2018 Designed by H2E.
Fragment from Nikolaus von Himsel (1729–1764) three volume travel diary (manuscript), Latvian Academic Library, Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts