Not everyone who planned to observe Lent followed the restrictions. On the contrary, almost everyone will celebrate Easter with Easter cakes.

MOSCOW, April 30, 2013. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data describing how many Russians will observe Lent, as well as how they plan to mark Easter. 

Sixteen percent of Russians observe Lent; other 6% plan to keep a fast during the last week. At the same time, the share of respondents who planned to keep a fast was bigger when Lent started – 23%. Seventy-six percent of Russians do not change eating habits during Lent (68% when Lent started).

The share of Orthodox Christians who fully or partially observe Lent is 18%; 7% of them will keep dietary restrictions during the last week of Lent. Remarkably, 7% of non-believers report that they try to observe Lent in a varying degree.

The Easter will be celebrated by most of Russians; most of them will cook special dishes for that (64%, a year ago – 68%). Other 30% plan to consecrate Easter cakes and eggs; 8% will take part in the all-night vigil. Forty-one percent of Russians will invite guests or will visit friends; 10% will give presents; 24% will go to the cemetery (a year ago - 20%).  The share of those who will not celebrate Easter is 11%.

Seventy-two percent of Orthodox Christians plan to prepare Easter eggs; other 36% will consecrate them in the church; they will also go to the cemetery on this day (27%).  Twenty-four percent of non-believers report that they will not mark the Easter. At the same time, 42% of atheists will cook Easter cakes and color eggs.

The initiative Russian opinion polls were conducted on April 27-28, 2013. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 130 sampling points in 42 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.

*the question was as follows: What eating habits will you have during Lent? (close-ended question, one answer)  

Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!