Included below are hints about travel to Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Russia's largest cities, and most popular tourist destinations. In this issue of the newsletter, we will focus on events in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, two of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia. The average temperature in Moscow and Saint Petersburg in the summer months is in the comfortable range of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, though short spells of much hotter weather, in the 80's, are possible. The atmosphere in Saint Petersburg during the white nights is quite festive. Expect to see many people and hear music in the streets of the city, regardless of the time of night.
Summer is also a time of numerous festivals, concerts, and special museum exhibitions.
The traditional Russian folk holiday Troitsa will be celebrated throughout June in all the major parks of Moscow with various craft exhibitions and musical performances. On June 4th, 5th, and 6th, a variety of concerts and performances will take place throughout Moscow in celebration of the 200th birthday of Alexander Pushkin. Pushkin is considered Russia's greatest poet. On June 12th and 13th, look for major public celebrations marking the declaration of independence of the Russian republic. Don't miss the Moscow International Beer Festival in July of 1999, which will take place in Luzhniki Park.