As Russia’s main “masculine” holiday stems from the Red Army Day, most events dedicated to it are military-themed. For one, celebratory gunfire will accompany the traditional fireworks display that will take place at the Peter and Paul Fortress at 21:00; earlier in the day, the grand military Battle Steel festival will open at the Okkervil Park - expect lots of military vehicles, artillery guns, and an extensive program - including an opportunity to ride a real tank!
Another major military-themed event will take place in Catherinehof, to the southwest of St. Petersburg. The major reenactment show will be dedicated to the Red Army in the World War II and the Russian army during the French Invasion of Russia in 1812 - which is totally a sight to see, especially in the park’s historic setting.
At the Lenexpo exhibition complex, the Recon 2 reenactment festival will bring together the best reenactment teams of St. Petersburg and the Northwestern District for a spectacular tournament; the event will also feature the usual fair, workshops, and other related activities.
Finally, there’ll be the Winter Medieval Tournament at the Vyborg Castle - yet another traditional event that offers a chance to appreciate the distinctive allure of warfare and the events long past.
Exciting as it may be, all this military-style fun can be tiring; hopefully, this weekend also offers many enticing events for those who want a more peaceful kind of a holiday.
On February 24, the Evening of Light festival will take place near the Catherine Palace in the nearby town of Pushkin. As part of the international Gardens of Light initiative, the event will present a most picturesque open-air light show, turning the historic site into a place of illusions and magic.
Another awesome event is the “Overcoming” visual art project at the Manege Central Exhibition Hall. A part of the large-scale “Takeda. Pain and Will” socio-cultural project, the exhibition features all kinds of artistic works - from traditional paintings and calligraphy to videos and installations - by young artists from Russia and Japan.
A most curious event will take place at the Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden. Dedicated to a single plant - the lilac, the Lilac February festival offers a most diverse program. Apart from appreciating lilac flowers of all kinds and learning the art of flower arrangement, the festival’s guests can listen to lectures on fashion industry and even try creating their very own perfume.
After the Men’s Day has gone by, it may be a good idea to already start thinking about presents for the Women’s Day. In this regard, you might consider visiting one of the two gift fairs that will take place in St. Petersburg - the Four Seasons Market at the Art Bank venue or the Big Spring Market at TKACHI.
See you next week! Yours, ITMO.NEWS.
