One of Malta’s more popular traditional national feasts, that of St Peter and St Paul, known in Malta as Mnarja, was celebrated in great style at the Bay Street Complex last weekend.

Bay Street enjoyed two days of activities which included traditional fare and entertainment starting with a string of popular singers including pop and folk singers. These included Mariah Mifsud Bonnici and Friends, Annabelle Spiteri, Nathalia Gili and Antoine Farrugia and Rita Pace. The evening came to a close with live unplugged performances by Jez and by Bee and Ade.

On Sunday, the Mnarja celebration started with exhibitors of traditional skills and products showing off their handmade work. The stalls featured ganutell beadwork, gilding, honey-making, carpet weaving, handmade lace, orange wine, filigree work, books and original costumes by Louie Noir. Later in the afternoon, John Saliba and his friends gave a performance of traditional folk music accompanied by mandolin and guitar-playing.

The Mnarja weekend came to a close with a show which included the participation of singers Jez and Martin, Mauro Kitcher, Rita Pace, Marilena Gauci and Maria Abdilla. There were also live unplugged performances by Jez, Maria Abdilla, Nadine Axisa and Daniele Colatie, Ade and Bianca and Adrian.