Following the established traditions, this summer the Scarlet Sails holiday was held in St. Petersburg, and the ship again went under the red sails into the waters of the Neva. Every year this event attracts more than a million people, and most of them are tourists from other countries. A visit to this holiday becomes part of the White Nights Tour.
The dates for the celebration are changed every year, which is why those who want to see this excellent holiday should take an interest in the days of its holding in advance.
The story of the holiday
The history of the Scarlet Sails holiday in St. Petersburg is quite long and dates back to the 60s. Graduates have a tradition of joining hands and strolling along the embankment along the Neva. It was here that they enjoyed an excellent view, talked about the future, recalled school days. In 1968, a committee of the City Council of Pioneers developed a scenario for the celebration of graduation.
The history of the Scarlet Sails holiday in St. Petersburg is very interesting, since it was originally a mass event. A vast territory was reserved for its holding, limited by the Bronze Horseman monument and the Summer Garden. This territory was divided into several separate sectors, each of which is equipped with a stage. Artists performed on stage. Graduates also with great desire participated in various competitions, as they wanted to receive a prize. It was very important to correctly determine the theme of the holiday. There were ideas about holding it based on the work of Alexander Green's “Scarlet Sails”.
Preparations for the festive event turned out to be very difficult, and the technical aspects difficult. However, high walls were erected, the embankment was decorated, and the required equipment was installed. On June 7, 1968, a boat carrying a guy with a girl sailed from the Peter and Paul Fortress. The guy held a lit torch in his hands. This symbolized the opening of the holiday.
The most moving moment was the appearance of the ship with colorful scarlet sails. This ship became a symbol of the beginning of a new life for graduates. Under the sails, everyone present saw Assol, which proudly and confidently looked into the distance.
For 11 years this solemn event was held, and then there was a long break. Until 2005, this holiday was not held, but then the tradition returned to St. Petersburg again, and every year it becomes more vivid, large-scale and spectacular. Children begin to wait for him from the first class, as this is a truly unique and unforgettable event.
Celebration ship
The celebration was attended not by one ship with red sails, but several different boats, thus forming a truly unique performance. Since 1970, only one vessel began to be launched into the Neva. For the first time the role of a ship with red sails was played by the schooner Leningrad.
Then in the period 2005-2007 this role was played by the frigate "Standart". This ship was an exact copy of the ship, built on the orders of Peter the Great. In 2008, the Mir sailboat was launched. However, this vessel turned out to be quite large and it was possible to bring it to the water only with the help of a tugboat.
In 2009, the ship “Young Baltic” was launched. However, this ship was also inappropriate in size. Since 2010, the tre Cronor sailboat, which was manufactured using old technology, began to participate in the celebration, but at the same time its maneuverability and convenience make this ship the most suitable for a celebration.
How exactly is the festive event
The gathering of participants and guests of the ceremony takes place on Palace Square, where only graduates of St. Petersburg schools go. The concert program is compiled on the basis of online voting by the graduates themselves. After midnight, a grandiose firework begins in St. Petersburg. Flashes of fire literally illuminate the banks of the Neva, while painting the surrounding buildings and the sky in different shades.
After that, under the tune from the movie "Children of Captain Grant," a ship appears under scarlet sails. On the deck is a girl in a snow-white dress. The concert program continues until the morning. The embankment at this time turns into a huge dance floor.
The holiday "Scarlet Sails" in St. Petersburg is included in the list of world tourism and is recommended for visiting in many European countries. Many note the high level of organization and security.
When will the holiday be held in 2017
The Scarlet Sails holiday in St. Petersburg in 2017 took place on the night of June 23-24, as it was at this time that the peak of white nights fell. That evening, popular groups and famous artists performed on stage. The pyrotechnic show and fireworks delighted everyone present.
Salute during the ceremony became part of a colorful show, which was marked by the fact that the famous Swedish brig passed along the Neva. This year, the brigantine was able to boast of new sails, which, as always with scarlet lighting, looked simply flawless. The final stage of the graduates' holiday was a disco, which lasted until dawn.
How to get invitation cards
School graduates who receive invitations absolutely free of charge can visit the Scarlet Sails festival in St. Petersburg. In addition, you can get one more ticket for an accompanying person. Free tickets can get the best graduates of regional educational institutions.
For everyone else, to get to the gala event, you will need to purchase a ticket.
The work of transport and traffic restrictions during the holiday
The metro works without a break on the night of the ceremony. All metro stations are open for passengers around the clock. Trains will run at extended intervals.
In addition, night buses and trolleybuses work, which is why it is possible to get to the venue at any time. During the holiday, traffic along the central streets of the city will be limited.