Based on the published information the article analyses the course of festive celebrations devoted to the beginnings of Saratov province. The celebration was held according to the traditions of state festivities existing since Peter the Great’s time. For the new province centre it was the sign of approaching the capitals, and for the province territory it meant drawing near the heart of the empire. The transformation of Saratov into the province centre was the starting point of the changes in its cultural and public environment, appearance and city planning.