Question

Discuss in pairs/ 1 What is the main difference between Russia and other countries in pancake celebrations? 2 What are the rules of pancake races? 3 Why is a pancake race difficult? 4 What facts about pancake celebrations do you find most interesting?

Answer 1

1 В чем основное отличие между Россией и другими странами в праздновании блинов?
 2 Каковы правила блин-рас? 3 Почему блинская гонка затруднена? 4 Какие факты о празднованиях блинов вы считаете наиболее интересными?

Answer 2

As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or the capability to discuss in pairs. However, I can provide some information about pancake celebrations to help you answer the questions.

1. One main difference between Russia and other countries in pancake celebrations is that in Russia, they celebrate Maslenitsa or "Butter Week," which is a week-long festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. During Maslenitsa, Russians eat pancakes called blini, which are traditionally made from buckwheat flour and served with sour cream, butter, and caviar.

2. Pancake races are a tradition in some countries, particularly the United Kingdom, where they are held on Shrove Tuesday or "Pancake Day." The rules of the race typically involve contestants running while carrying a frying pan with a pancake in it. The goal is to reach the finish line without dropping the pancake or flipping it out of the pan.

3. Pancake races are difficult because running while carrying a frying pan and pancake requires balance and coordination. The pancake can also easily flip out of the pan if not handled properly, and the contestants may have to stop and adjust the pancake before continuing to run.

4. Some interesting facts about pancake celebrations include:

• In France, they celebrate "La Chandeleur" on February 2nd, which is also known as "Candlemas Day" or "Crepe Day." It is customary to make and eat crepes on this day.
• In some parts of the United States, particularly in the southern states, they celebrate "Fat Tuesday" or "Mardi Gras" with a traditional dessert called a "King Cake," which is a type of sweet bread decorated with colored icing and often contains a hidden trinket or bean.
• In some countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is believed that flipping a pancake while it is cooking will bring good luck for the coming year.