Maltese and tourists alike last night flocked to Buskett Gardens, in the limits of Rabat, to celebrate in the usual colourful way the traditional feast of Mnarja, religiously known as the feast of St Peter and St Paul. The term Mnarja is probably a corruption of the Italian word meaning illumination. Francis Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Fishers at the Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Environment, yesterday opened the traditional agricultural show and President Eddie Fenech Adami will present trophies to the winners today. The festivities reach their climax this afternoon with bare-back donkey and horse races, in Saqqajja an event which traces its origin back to the time of the knights of the Order of St John. The prizes for the winners of these races are palji, special brocaded banners.

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