Translated as Crimson Sails, this is the last day of school for St. Petersburg’s high school graduates and one of the city’s craziest holidays. Although it’s primarily a holiday for school leavers to run amok in the streets, the whole city usually gets involved as the bottom of Nevsky Prospekt and surrounding streets are closed to cars and open to revellers. Youngsters swarm to the river to watch tall ships with crimson sails passing under a firework lit sky, while the local shops sell out of beer and champagne in minutes and you can’t find a toilet for love nor money. Thankfully the metro stays open that little bit later so everyone can get home safely. Entrance to the concert on Palace Square is by invitation only so if you are not a Russian kid in the 11th grade, unfortunately you will miss the chance to hear some Russian pop stars performing alongside acrobats from Cirque du Soleil. For details of other events going on that you don’t need a ticket for check the official website.