June 19, 2010 is the huge graduation holiday "Scarlet Sails" in St. Petersburg.
A million people line the Neva and palace square to celebrate graduation and the coming of everyone's Scarlet Sails.
The Scarlet Sails celebration in St. Petersburg has spectacular fireworks launched from Peter and Paul Fortress and is touted as the largest holiday event in Russia with an estimated attendance of one million people comprised of students, military cadets, teachers and families.
The Scarlet Sails tradition began after World War II when several Leningrad (Now St. Petersburg) schools united to celebrate the end of the school year with symbolism from Alexander Grin's
popular children’s book, “Scarlet Sails.”
At that time, a boat with scarlet sails would float along the Neva River's English and Admiralty Embankments, heading toward the Winter Palace. The celebration gained much popularity following the release of the 1961 movie titled “Alye Parusa.”
The Scarlet Sails celebration includes large-scale events on the Neva River, such as rowing and motorboat races and massive pirate battles. Appearing at the finale is the Schtandardt, Peter the Great's tall sailing ship, with scarlet sails.
The city's fountains with their colored lights make a spectacular backdrop to the music and fireworks.
The St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and popular stars often provide live concerts during the event.
