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Three fourths of Russians are planning to cook pancakes at this week’s Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, Russia’s folk and religious holiday traditionally enjoyed by people of all ages and symbolizing the end of winter, a survey revealed.

According to the poll of 1,600 people across Russia conducted by the Yuri Levada Analytical Center in late February, only 14 percent of the country’s residents said they will not celebrate the holiday, which started Monday.

Among those who are celebrating Maslenitsa by making pancakes, most are women, residents over the age of 40, having higher educations and wages less than 12,000 rubles ($500) a month, the Center’s site www.levada.ru said.

When asked what activities they will be taking part in on the holiday, 37 percent said they will visit their friends, relatives, or welcome guests, which is 3 percent less than the similar poll taken last year revealed. According to the poll results, it is mostly males aged 25-40, with higher educations and earning wages ranging from 6,000-12,000 rubles a month who plan on celebrating the holiday in this fashion.

25 percent revealed they will attend outdoor celebrations, while 27 percent of those surveyed intend to break from the usual traditions by eating meat to celebrate the festivities – most of those are from 40-54 years of age and residents of towns with populations less than 100,000.

Finally, 3 percent said they will celebrate Maslenitsa in other ways, the survey showed.

Among those who do not intend to observe the holiday are mostly men, residents under 25, and residents of southern Russia and large cities across the country, the statement said.

Maslenitsa is well known for its tradition of making and serving great amounts of pancakes both at home and on the streets. Traditional festivities also include various outdoor activities, with people celebrating the beginning of long-awaited spring. The week-long holiday is celebrated during week preceding Lent, which is the 40 day period of fasting in preparation for Orthodox Easter.