St.Peterburg has built an enviable reputation for hosting spectacular events. Being a citizen of this city I am lucky to have a so-called 24/7 entertainment ticket to any event I like, as I can easily pick up the time and create an event plan for the coming weekend or holidays. Sometimes I wish a day had at least 48 hours, not these desperately galloping 24 hours that we often waste so quickly… It is hard to embrace all the interesting that happens here daily. But trying to grasp all my ideas in this article, I’ve decided to focus on the 5 diverse events that you should put on your task and travel list after reading my travel notes.
And I am happy to share them with you right now.
1. The White Night Festival
Let’s start with the festival my city is well-known for in the world - the White Nights Festival. Living in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in the places at the higher latitudes than the Equator locates, we can observe a real beauty of nature so habitual to us – the miracle of the white nights. Moscow and in particular other parts of Russia to the south lack this opportunity to observe a bright light sky all night long. And you can see thousands of city visitors on the banks of the Neva admired at seeing the unusual behavior of nature. There seems to be something magical in this period so coloured by romance.
Rendering respect to these peculiar traits (romance, drawbridges, the white nights, cultural events) that are commonly associated with the northern capital of Russia, the city has launched a series of performances, including classical ballet, music and opera events, known as “Stars of the White Nights Festival”.
Since 1968 there is a noble tradition in the city to celebrate one of the long-life memories - the end of school year. This celebration full of spectacular fireworks, music concerts and vivid colors of the beautiful ship sails is known as the Scarlet Sails.
The White Night festival runs from May to July annually. The Scarlet Sails celebration takes place in the end of June.
If you travel for high emotions, adventures, photographic moments and just for your mind, you should undoubtedly visit the festival.
2. Medievalfestivals
You can experience a newfound appreciation for medieval clothes, traditions and atmosphere in different medieval festivals held nearby the city. You will glimpse horse tournaments, battles on foot, rustic fairs, medieval workshops and music concerts in all their splendor.
Here are some festivals planned for this summer:
- “A Russian fortress” runs from 4th up to 6th of July in Korela Fortress.
- “Koporye amusement” runs in July in Koporye Fortress.
- “A bordering fortress” runs in August in Ivangorod Fortress.
If you travel for the views and to find snippets of Game of Thrones sceneries, you should take your camera and add these events to your summer plan.
3. HandMadefestival
If you travel for new design spots, handicraft and unique accessories or clothes, you should visit young local designers in St.Petersburg. The summer is a period when you seek for brightness and eccentricity and there must be a place in your heart and at home for new flamboyant or even exotic crafts.
The festival runs all the summer in the city centre and different creative areas.
4. Holi Festival
The Royal Holi Colour Festival inspired by the original Indian Holi fest will take place in St.Petersburg in July. Thousands of participants come together to share in music, dance, performance art. Holi brings unforgettable memories and feelings of togetherness, exhilaration, freedom. You will find yourself in a real color madness! So, if you travel for senses, stories and inspiration, you can’t miss the fest!
5. Sand Sculpture Festival
An annual popular festival has returned with a magical twist this year. The Russian and the Polish famous sand sculptures have turned the beach of the Park 300th anniversary of St.Petersburg into giant world of incredible sand sculptures. They have built a fairy tale perfectly captured in the sculptures of the Disney castle with mysterious towers, elves, dinosaurs and Egyptian pyramids.
The exhibition will run all the summer.
If you travel for wander lusty emotions, the mind and eyes, just take a camera, friends and a map and mark St.Peterburg to be your next travel spot!
See you here!
Photos made by Alexander Bochkov, Margarita Belskaya, Viola Serdyukova