22.00 Palace Square.

The oldest and most popular event which happens around the longest days of the year is the Scarlet Sails celebration.
This first began after the Great Patriotic War (Second World War) as a tribute to the very beautiful fairy tale "Scarlet Sails" by Alexander Grin; a story about dreams, hope and faith. The popularity of both the book and the tradition grew and took on a life of its own, after the 1961 release of the film Scarlet Sails.

The festival is well known for fantastic firework displays, numerous music concerts and a spectacular water show which will include pirates battling between many boats, and featuring a beautiful replica of the galleon 'Secret' (from the fairy tale) with scarlet sails, all taking place on the River Neva. There will be gypsy bands, jugglers, sword swallowers and fire eaters in this surreal celebration.

The Scarlet Sails tradition has evolved, more recently, into a celebration of freedom for students, from 'schools and rules', celebrating the closing of the school year. The main theme this year is "Bridge", a theme which is very significant for the beautiful city of St Petersburg. Of course, this also represents bridges between childhood, adolescence and adulthood as well as the linking of different parts of the city by St Petersburg's numerous majestic bridges.

The magic crossing between past and future will be highlighted by not just the performances of artists and musicians but also by the latest technological innovations. This promises to be an explosion of dynamic light and sound, fire and water; a feast for all your senses.

At this time of year, tourists from all over the world visit the sleepless city of St Petersburg to experience this remarkable public event and see for themselves the long light nights. This is an event for insomniacs and romantics to share; one that will surely produce unforgettable emotions in their hearts.