Charleston's Famous Festivals

Charleston in the summer is sultry and beautiful. The city itself is a peninsula poised next to the Charles River and surrounded by gorgeous islands included within the urban boundaries. Charleston has always been a city of culture, first from the vast wealth of shipping companies, cotton planters and rice farmers. Several Festivals will be hosted by the city just before or during the summer of 2007. Some are local traditions and have been drawing people here from all over the country for years.

http://www.charlestonmaritimefestival.com/
The Maritime Festival will take place at the end of May this year, during May 17th-May 20. The Festival begins with a massive parade of sails gathering in the Charles River that day from the most famous tall ships from around the world. A Governor's ball will toast the captains of these majestic ships in the evening while the next day the real festivities begin for the public. All the weekend, from Friday through Sunday the public will get to board the ships and see the crew from places as far away as Brazil, India, and Oman. On land this free family event displays pirate camps, wooden boats, sailing and rowing opportunities, music and lots and lots of food from kiosks and local vendors. And one of the most exciting events is the launch of the home ship, the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship, then the beginning of the Charleston to Bermuda yacht race.