The screensaver of the "Scarlet Sails–2026" holiday set the mood for the main night of summer

The Brig Rossiya, the raised bridges, recognizable architectural symbols of St. Petersburg, the Firebird's feather and Russian ornaments. The screensaver for the broadcast of the alumni celebration "Scarlet Sails–2026" became a visual prologue, set the tone, mood and artistic language of the main night of summer.

This year, the visual style combined the traditions of Russian decorative culture, fabulousness, postcard views of the city, modern digital technologies and transformed every detail into a single artistic image. Some of the elements were made by hand, and classical animation and three-dimensional graphics were also used.

"The main characters of the concept of the opening screensaver are the incredibly beautiful city and the brig Rossiya. We have depicted the views and elements of architectural St. Petersburg. The logos of the organizers of the Scarlet Sails project were organically inscribed into the pattern of the cast fences of the bridges. The snow-white brig Rossiya, with its appearance in the Neva River, launches an ornamental "projection" throughout the city. This ornament synthesizes the most recognizable styles of Russian decorative painting — Gzhel and Khokhloma — added their own variations and received a unique pattern. It spreads in waves under the stern of the ship in light strokes, fills the canals and streets of the Northern Capital, and is reflected in the windows. The visual range is based on the contrast of airiness and scale: almost weightless, like the feather of a Firebird, the elements are combined with powerful, monumental and majestic images," said Olga Oganezova, Deputy Director of Programs and Marketing at Channel Five, Head of Marketing Department.

The ornamental elements, which resemble traditional Russian patterns, create a feeling of hand-made, warmth and cultural continuity. It's not just a decor, it's a visual code linking modernity with heritage.

The color palette is built around the sunset shades of white nights, complemented by bright accents of the key color "Scarlet Sails". This palette creates an emotional state and at the same time emphasizes the solemnity of the moment.

Special attention is paid to movement: the "invisible" camera seems to slide through space and draws the viewer into what is happening. This creates the effect of presence and gradual immersion in the atmosphere of a festive city. The screensaver doesn't just open the broadcast — it becomes part of the narrative and introduces you to a world where reality is intertwined with a fairy tale.

In the final frames, the image is built like a portal with a decorative frame framed by an elegant ornament.

In the center is the snow—white brig Rossiya with scarlet sails. It is presented not just as a ship, but as a symbol, almost a mythological image. Its scale is accentuated by the architectural surroundings and the soft perspective: the brig seems to come out of the depths of the frame and head towards the viewer. The arched composition creates an additional visual rhythm. According to urban legend, if lovers descend under the arch along the stone steps of the Hermitage Bridge to the water and make wishes, their union will be long, and the feelings will necessarily be mutual.

The "double portal" effect created by the two arches enhances the feeling of transition: from childhood to adulthood, from dreams to reality.

The graphics of the Scarlet Sails holiday become not just a screensaver, but a full-fledged visual manifesto. This is a story about a dream, told in the language of color, light and form. A story in which every graduate recognizes himself – on the threshold of a new path.

The Scarlet Sails holiday was revived in 2005 after a long-term hiatus on the initiative of ROSSIYA Joint Stock Bank, the Government of St. Petersburg and Channel Five.

On the wave of dreams: graduates made wishes during the full turn of the Brig Rossiya

How was the large-scale holiday "Scarlet Sails" in St. Petersburg?

On the night of June 28, the main alumni celebration "Scarlet Sails - 2026" ended in St. Petersburg. The highlight of the event was a colorful fireworks display over the Neva River. The key concept of the holiday this year was chosen by the motifs of Russian fairy tales.

One of the main visual symbols of the "Scarlet Sails – 2026" was the fiery Firebird, born by the light of the brig Rossiya. The television coverage of the fantastic water and pyrotechnic show in the Neva River and the concert of the main Russian pop stars on the Palace Square on June 27 amounted to 28.2 million people, including the international orbit. The number of online broadcast views on the Internet is 20 million.