When talking about festivals in St. Petersburg, Russia, we have to mention Scarlet Sails (红帆节).
Generally, Scarlet Sails is celebrated in late June to congratulate high school graduates on the beginning of their new life journey as adults. Starting in 1968, the idea of the festival came from Alexander Grin's Scarlet Sails — a novel about love, dreams and hope. The first Scarlet Sails was attended by around 25, 000 school graduates and became a hit. Since then, it has become more and more popular. It attracts visitors from all over the world every year.
The celebrations of the festival start in the evening and mainly include two parts.
The big concert in Dvortsovaya Square is only for school graduates with an invitation. However, considering its popularity, there is usually another stage on Vasilievsky Island where everyone can enjoy the concert.
When the concert is over, people go to the Neva River for a light and water show. They can watch it along the banks or on the bridges. Fireworks, beautiful music and water shows last for about 30 minutes.
The festival reaches its highest point as a big ship with scarlet sails appears and makes its way across the river. It synchronizesits movements with the music and the other parts of the show. That means the crew (船员) must make sure the ship reaches every place on the exact second as it is planned. Visitors are often advised to come early to find a good position to enjoy the amazing beauty of everything!
