Spectators watch the burning of a 30m structure built of twigs and debris made in the form of a Gothic style building by Russian artist Nikolay Polissky during the celebration of Shrovetide (Maslenitsa) in the village of Nikola-Lenivets, Kaluga region, some 220km outside Moscow. Shrovetide or Maslenitsa is an ancient farewell ceremony to winter, traditionally celebrated in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine and involves the burning of a large effigy.

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