On the last Sunday of July Russia celebrates annual Navy Day ; President Vladimir Putin arrives to his native city to congratulate Navy officers and sailors; after that they open all the bridges across the Neva River ( which they usually do after midnight), light Rostrum Colomnes on the Basil Iceland and the parade of warships starts. All locals know about the forthcoming event and get to the Neva River embankment by crowds very well in advance to take the best places in order to enjoy magnificent view in full !
