The Mnarja activities, which include the traditional bonfires, or huggiega ta' San Gwann, and the agrarian exhibition at Buskett Gardens, were yesterday launched by the National Folklore Commission in the National Council for Culture and the Arts.

The activities, which are linked to the feast of St John on June 24 and were announced through the traditional reading of the bandu in Valletta yesterday, also include the traditional horse races in Racecourse Street, Rabat, which has been resurfaced.

Yesterday's events also included the blessing of the traditional palju, awarded to the winners of the horse races, popular ghana and traditional dancing, as well as bonfires next to Saqqajja.

Activities on Saturday, eve of Mnarja, include the agrarian exhibition organised by the Agrarian Society at Buskett. The programme starts at 7.30 p.m., with a performance by Count Roger Band Club of Rabat, followed by farmers' carts entering Buskett and traditional folk singing, dancing and Maltese cuisine next to the Grand Master's Cave at Buskett.

Agrarian competitions and cultural activities, featuring the L'Isle Adam Band Club and a number of folk singers and dancers will take place on Sunday morning.

A traditional horse race is being held at 3.30 p.m., commission executive secretary Anton Miceli said, adding that "we are doing our utmost to ensure that no harm is inflicted on the animals in the races".

The presence of a vet before the start of the races should ensure that the animals are in good condition.

Mr Miceli said the activities would be recalling the way the traditional feast of the Mnarja used to be celebrated since the time of the Knights.

"These traditions form an essential part of the Maltese identity and we are proud to say that we have been able to keep them alive," Mr Miceli said.