Dim Torches on Rostral Columns Explained

On the Day of the Lifting of the Siege of Leningrad, the Rostral Columns on the spit of Vasilyevsky Island were lit, but the flame seemed unusually weak to residents.

Feb 20, 2026

A photograph of the Rostral Columns during the lighting ceremony in St. Petersburg.
Source:
Ksenia Poteeva / FONTANKA.RU

On Saturday, 27 January, St. Petersburg marked the 80th anniversary of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the fascist blockade. One of the traditional ceremonies was the lighting of the fires on the Rostral Columns, but in the first minutes after being turned on, the flame was barely noticeable, which surprised observers.

The historic Rostral Columns on Vasilyevsky Island spit illuminated for a city event.

As it turned out, there was no need to worry. The press service of the company PetersburgGaz explained that from 18:00 to 19:00, special igniters operate to prepare the main combustion. The full-fledged torches are lit later and burn at full strength from 19:00 to 22:00.

Special igniters on the Rostral Columns prepare for the main torch lighting.

The lights on the famous columns are lit only on dates particularly significant for the city.

Bridges in St. Petersburg lit with colors of the Leningrad Victory ribbon.

New Year«s Eve from 31 December to 1 January
18 January — Day of the Breakthrough of the Siege of Leningrad
27 January — Day of the Complete Liberation of Leningrad from the Siege
9 May — Victory Day
27 May — City Day
End of June — the graduate festival »Scarlet Sails« (a traditional celebration for school graduates)
Also, the tradition is sometimes observed after major sporting victories of the football club Zenit.

In addition to lighting the torches, in honor of the memorable date, special illumination in the colors of the Leningrad Victory ribbon was turned on on the Palace, Troitsky, and Betancourt bridges.