White Nights in St Petersburg – Natural Phenomenon and Cultural Events


White Nights in Saint Petersburg are the period when beauty of the stunning city is not hidden under the cover of night. In pursuit of the extraordinary charm of the place many tourists prefer visiting this northern city especially at this time. They come to enjoy the sights and a great number of cultural and entertainment events, which are held during several weeks of White Nights. Enjoying the culmination of cultural life in May and June, romance of the place with a plenty of canals amid peaceful surrounding, everyone can find a good source of inspiration, especially art and nature lovers.

White nights look like twilight at night time, which lasts for some weeks in June. Geographical location accounts for this phenomenon, as Saint Petersburg is located in the northern part of Russia. White nights existence proves that everything is devised by nature wisely. For instance, at such northern latitude vegetation grows slowly and round-the-clock light provides better conditions for growth, which is important for the area, where summer is short.

The twilight is deeper a bit from midnight until 2 a.m. when a new day begins at dawn. Something magical is always around this phenomenon. Everything looks so peaceful and tranquil that you can even hear your heartbeat. Those who are lost in everyday routine, discover new inspiration and joy of life in such mysterious place as St Petersburg.

The cultural life of the city is rich in venues during this period. The major festivals, concerts and entertainment events are held within White Nights Festival. “Stars of the White Nights”, the international music event, is one of the most grandiose in Russia. It is supported by the government and features performances of famous ballet and pop stars. Originally, the festival was presented by the Mariinsky theatre for citizens and guests of Saint Petersburg in 1993.

On the 27th of May those who are young at heart can join the celebration of school graduates – “Scarlet Sails”, named after the book of Alexander Grin. People gather on the embankment of the Neva River to enjoy the Symphony Orchestra performance and to watch the incredible show with fireworks. It is a very spectacular fair, which is worth visiting Saint Petersburg just for the sake of it.

You can enjoy jazz performances with famous musicians from all over the world. It is included by Philharmonic Society of Jazz Music into the range of the most prestigious music events of the world. Annually it gathers amateurs of jazz in the Mikhailovsky Garden in addition to various concert halls. Such major music event leaves unforgettable impressions in the memory of every jazz lover.

The nightlife is at full swing at this period with over one million guests in the city. The popularity of White Nights results in hotels overbooking and high room rates. Therefore many tourists prefer to rent private apartments, which are more spacious and affordable. Rental apartments are located in the centre of the city close to the majority of venues. Convenience of staying in the centre of the city is obvious. You will not depend upon the movable bridge, will feel free and enjoy fully your being in the centre of Russian cultural life.


Source by Oleg Shkaruta