Amman, July 22 (Petra) – The 39th edition of the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts will welcome participants from 35 Arab and foreign countries this year, reflecting Jordan’s cultural influence and regional stability, according to Festival Executive Director Ayman Samawi.

Speaking at the Government Communication Forum on Tuesday, attended by Secretary General of the Ministry of Government Communication Zaid Nawaiseh, Samawi attributed the wide international participation to Jordan’s security, cultural vision, and the festival’s commitment to showcasing regional and global artistic expression.

This year’s festival, held under the theme “Jerash Festival: Authenticity and Continuity” and bearing the slogan “This is Jordan, and Its Glory Continues,” has placed strong emphasis on youth engagement. In collaboration with the Jerash Municipality, the festival has employed over 600 individuals across disciplines 350 of them from Jerash, most of whom are young people.

Samawi confirmed that no events have been canceled this year. Activities will be held across eight governorates as part of the festival’s empowerment strategy, with additional programs in the Petra region to encourage tourism.

In response to a question from Petra, Samawi said that cinema would be introduced in the next edition of the festival, signaling a broadening of the festival’s cultural scope.

He thanked the government for its substantial support, particularly Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan and Culture Minister and Chairman of the Festival’s Higher Committee, Mustafa Rawashdeh, stressing that the Jerash Festival remains a cultural cornerstone and legacy for Jordan.

The festival will highlight youth talent, including performances by popular young artists such as the band Harmony on the Northern Theater stage, while the Artemis Theater will feature contributions from ten Jordanian universities. Children’s programming will also see significant expansion, including a dedicated children’s theater.

Samawi emphasized the role of the Embassy Pavilion, which will offer cultural, heritage, and civilizational experiences from participating countries. Except for events held at the Southern and Northern theaters, festival activities will be open to the public free of charge. Spaces will also be dedicated to local associations, traditional crafts, and cultural products.

The Southern Theater will feature top-tier Arab musical talent, offering a blend of classic and contemporary styles.

Nawaiseh praised the festival as a key platform for cultural exchange, artistic enrichment, and tourism development. He relayed Prime Minister Hassan’s support for the festival’s vital role in both Jerash and the national tourism sector.

Hassan, he noted, expressed hope that this year’s edition would be the most distinguished yet, befitting the festival’s historic stature and cultural prominence on the Arab stage.

The forum concluded with an open dialogue between festival organizers and journalists representing various media outlets, discussing ways to enhance and evolve the Jerash Festival’s programs and outreach.

//Petra// AF
22/07/2025 21:24:56