A New Tradition Takes Root
In addition to Cambourne’s cultural tapestry, the town observed its first Pancake Festival, organized by the community-driven initiative CamCare UK. Councilor Shrobona Bhattacharya expressed the sentiment behind the event, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the diverse traditions of those who now call Cambourne home; just like Christmas, Diwali, and Eid, the Pancake Festival aimed to ensure that residents from various countries could revel in their cultural festivities even in their new surroundings.
Maslenica: More Than Pancakes
Mrs Anastassia and Aleksei Barulin, originally from Estonia, took the lead in organizing the Pancake Festival. They brought the cultural richness of Maslenitsa, also known as the Pancake Festival, to the Hub Community Centre on Saturday, March 9th 2019, from 7 pm to 9 pm. Maslenitsa holds symbolic significance as it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The burning of Maslenitsa signifies bidding farewell to the cold season, while pancakes, round, yellow, and hot, represent the sun’s warmth.
A Culinary Extravaganza
The festival offered visitors various ways to indulge in the joy of pancakes. The event celebrated culinary diversity, from sharing their pancake creations to participating in workshops and even selling them. Cambourne Town Councillor Doroteja Maklin added a unique touch to the festival with a special Slimming World food stall.
Beyond Pancake Festival: Games and Community Spirit
Anastassia curated various games for children, adding to the festive atmosphere and raising funds for CamCare UK. Alena, a dedicated CamCare UK and Timebank member, contributed her time by managing a stall featuring Russian pancakes. Resident Sandhya, known for supporting the Indian community through homemade catering, ran a live dosa stall, adding another layer of cultural diversity to the event.
Supporting the Community: A Pancake Race on the Horizon
The Pancake Festival served as a platform to raise funds for CamCare UK, a local charity that organizes numerous free community events throughout the year. Inspired by the success of this inaugural event, CamCare UK has decided to introduce a Pancake race to become a new tradition in Cambourne, further strengthening the sense of community and celebration.
Conclusion: Flipping the Tradition in Cambourne
The first Pancake Festival in Cambourne was more than just a culinary affair; it celebrated diversity, community, and the spirit of sharing cultural traditions. As the aroma of pancakes lingered in the air, the festival became a testament to Cambourne’s commitment to inclusivity, where every tradition finds a place on the community’s cultural canvas.
