300 young people took part in a range of activities throughout the day, including sport, dance, a parade of vintage cars and a spray salute from a flotilla in the harbour.

Originally scheduled for 2021, the 19th Mediterranean Games were postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and will now open in June 2022.

This means they will coincide with celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of Algerian independence.

Organising Committee director Salim Iles told the crowd at the event the International Mediterranean Games Committee (CIJM) were “amply satisfied “ with the progress of Oran 2022 and had commended the “great work carried out in the last six months.”

The festivities began with a treasure hunt for young people by Les Nomades Algériens, a cultural organisation designed to promote the beauty and heritage in Algeria.

The celebration day was organised by Wali of Oran, Messaoud Djari.

A display of vintage cars featured many Volkswagen Beetles, all lovingly restored.

Sports events included a 3x3 competition and table tennis tournaments.

There were also fencing, wrestling, karate, judo and taekwondo exhibitions, all attended by a large crowd made up mostly of friends and family

Much of the event was held on the Esplanade du Jardin Sidi M'hamed where a countdown clock was set in motion.

The clock will tick down towards the Opening Ceremony of the Games on June 25 2022.