Traditionally, the City Day starts with an officious ceremony when flowers are placed in front of the Bronze Horseman - the monument to Peter the First, St. Petersburg’s founder. Then, a cannon shot from the Peter and Paul’s fortress signals the start of a citywide festival - and so, the fun part starts. Streets are filled with a festive crowd, and all you have to do is to find your piece of joy in our beautiful city!
Cultural Piece: Nationality Ball
At 13:00 on the Spit of the Vasilyevsky Island, representatives of different nationalities that live in St. Petersburg will participate in a grand concert. Folk music, dancing and national costumes - this is definitely a celebration to see! Among other amusements, there will be different games, workshops on folk art, and exhibitions; if you like diving into different cultures, the Nationality Ball is totally a must-see.
Sweet Piece: Ice Cream Fest and Street Food Festival
What’s more there is to say? It will be like a sweet tooth paradise! The event will take place on the Ostrovsky Square, where anyone will have the opportunity to try all possible kinds of summer’s best treat.
Another tasty piece - Street Food Festival "O, Da, Eda!" will be held near Okhta Moll and there you should definitely try ice cream by ITMO University - look out for the distinctive blue trailer! The event starts at 11 am and ends at 9 pm, so be sure to drop by as you walk around the city.
Curiosity Piece: Town of Trades
On the Solyanoy alleyway, students from the Saint Petersburg Art and Industry Academy will conduct their annual Town of Trades - an event dedicated to all kinds of arts and crafts. Small shops, exhibitions, workshops and dancing - each year, the festival gathers lots of participants and guests. Try yourself at smithing or glass-blowing, or just buy a cup that’s been made for you right in front of your eyes - the Town of Trades is a great event for anyone who is searching for new experiences!
Tranquility Piece: The Tulip Festival
What can be more relaxing than taking a stroll amongst thousands of flowers? The Tulip Festival on the Yelagin Island is most spectacular: 140,000 tulips of 120 different kinds have been planted on an area of about two square kilometers. If you decide to take some rest from the citywide celebration, this is a place you should definitely check it out!
History Piece: Medieval Festival & the Alexander Nevsky Cup
If peace and calm is not your idea of fun, try out the Medieval Festival at the Peter and Paul’s fortress. Hundreds of fans of historic reenactment will gather on the shore of the Kronverksky Strait, where today’s vikings have moored their longboats. There’ll be shows, tournaments and trade, as well as workshops and, surely, battles! The event is most spectacular, and has been conducted annually for severals years already.
By the way, if you like this sort of entertainment, there will also be a separate event in Lyubashinskiy Garden - the Alexander Nevsky Cup. Starting at noon, fans of fencing and everything Medieval will gather for St. Petersburg’s most spectacular tilting match!
Action Piece: Watersports Festival
Another great event for those who love action is the Water Sports Festival that will take place in the St. Petersburg 300th Anniversary Park. There will be races, sports shows and tournaments in which the guests will be able to participate; also, the visitors will have the opportunity to try the many new watersports presented at the show. The event will start at noon; if you’re looking for some action, this is definitely your choice.
Music Piece: Classic at the Palace Square
The gala concert at the Palace Square is definitely the celebration’s highlights. Classical compositions of Rossini, Verdi, Bize, Mozart, Puccini and Kalman will be performed by world-renowned opera singers and musicians. Each part of the concert will be staged as a performance; five massive video screens will be installed on the square so that any visitor would be able to experience the event to its fullest. The show will start at 9 pm, yet considering its popularity, we strongly advise to come beforehand.
Arts piece: Open plein-air
The next day after the holiday, a unique artistic event will take place in the Summer Garden: any visitor would have the opportunity to try himself at being an artist. 300 easels and hundreds of liters of paints, help and advice from professional artists - whether you are an apt artist or a total newbie, you should definitely participate! Those who prefer using their own tools can bring them and join the event as well.
To sum up, the City Day is something not to be missed. We’ve mentioned only some of its attractions; basically, you may stumble upon many others just walking around the city. So, get a day off from studying and take your time exploring St. Petersburg during this grand citywide celebration! The transport will be working throughout the night, so you shouldn’t worry about the time - just make your choice, and get all the fun you like!
