BEFORE LENT: A boy walks on Manezhnaya Square as he visits the Shrovetide market near the Red Square in Moscow, on Wednesday. Shrovetide precedes the beginning of Lent, with each day of the week holding its own meaning. Shrove Sunday, also known as the Sunday of Forgiveness, is a day for asking forgiveness for the harm caused to other people intentionally or unintentionally. — AFP