The traditional feast of San Gwann tal-Hgejjeg was celebrated in Mellieha on Thursday. The Mellieha Local Council organised this activity with the participation of various organisations operating in Mellieha and Manikata.

The traditional bonfire celebration started with the “town crier announcement” (the bandu), and reached a peak as the Grand Master arrived at the town square to preside the traditional spectacle. Traditional food stalls, and a display of hand made craft and Maltese lace were set up.

The two local bands, the Imperial and the La Vittoria each presented a short musical programme while members of the choral and orchestral society Maria Bambina acted as the Grand Master, soldiers and onlookers in traditional costumes.

The much awaited lighting of the bonfire was the main attraction of the evening around which many children and parents gathered.

Crowds of people later gathered at the Red Tower site over Mellieha Bay where Din l-Art Helwa gave a historical re-enactment of gun firing at the tower which used to take place when an enemy was reaching the island’s shores. A fire signalling “danger” to other nearby towers was also lit on top of the tower.

Folk singers drew an end to the San Gwann tal-Hgejjeg evening in Mellieha.

The tradition is nowadays nearly dead – bonfires used to be lit up in most towns and villages on the eve of St John the Baptist’s feast. Children used to collect broken wooden furniture and other flammable material throughout the year for spectacular bonfires on that warm June night.

St John the Baptist’s feast was therefore nicknamed tal-Hgejjeg – hgejjeg being the plural of huggiega, bonfire.