The opening ceremony on the city's central square was attended by Alexi Randell, the head of the Turku city administration, and Alla Manilova, chairperson of the St. Petersburg committee on the press and contacts with the media.
A fair of folk crafts, souvenirs and objects of art was also opened on the square.
Heidi Saario, a city events coordinator, said about 150 guests from St. Petersburg had arrived for the festivities this year, including city administration officials, cultural figures, scientists, entrepreneurs and members of public organizations.
An international seminar, St. Petersburg's Role in the Baltic Region's Development, will be a central event during St. Petersburg Days. Scheduled for Thursday, the seminar will focus on regional cooperation in the spheres of economics, environment, tourism, and culture.
Those attending the seminar will sign a cooperation agreement between Turku and St. Petersburg for 2006 to 2007. (more)
