The 38th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts has officially started under the esteemed patronage of the Royal Family. This year’s festival, themed “The Promise Continues,” celebrates the 25th anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah’s ascension to the throne and shows solidarity with Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict with Israeli forces since October 7.
Festival Overview
The opening ceremony took place at the Northern Theatre in Jerash, showcasing national performances that highlight Jordan’s historical legacy and its steadfast support for Palestine. The festival will feature a rich array of artistic, cultural, intellectual, and folkloric events starting at noon on Thursday.
Key Highlights
- Poetry Readings: Esteemed Jordanian and Arab poets will present their works, offering a blend of local and regional literary talents.
- Conference on Renaissance Thought: A major conference focusing on the revival of renaissance ideas and modern intellectual movements.
- Short Story Forum: A platform for writers to share and discuss their short stories.
- Performances: Renowned patriotic artists and a distinguished group of Jordanian performers will entertain the audience.
Palestinian Cultural Presence
Palestinian culture will be prominently featured, with notable performances including:
- Poet Abdullah Issa
- Singer Sana Moussa
- The Soul Band from Gaza
Solidarity with Gaza
In a significant gesture of support, Ayman Samawi, the festival director, announced the unprecedented cancellation of activities at the Southern Theatre for the first time in 40 years. Donation boxes organized by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) will be placed at the entrance to the archaeological city, encouraging visitors to donate 1 JD to support Palestinians in Gaza.
Empowering Local Women
The festival also focuses on empowering local women by providing them with the opportunity to sell their products directly to festival-goers. Hundreds of craftspeople and nearly 1,000 participants from various artistic fields, including heritage groups, musical bands, and theatrical performers, will be involved.
Detailed Program
- Poetry Readings
- Jordanian Poets: Celebrating local talent.
- Arab Poets: Showcasing regional literary excellence.
- Conference on Renaissance Thought
- Topics Covered: Renewal of renaissance thought, modern intellectual movements, and cultural evolution.
- Speakers: Renowned scholars and intellectuals.
- Short Story Forum
- Themes: Contemporary issues, cultural narratives, and personal stories.
- Participants: Emerging and established writers.
- Performances
- Patriotic Artists: Celebrating national pride.
- Jordanian Performers: Highlighting local talent and cultural heritage.
- Palestinian Performances:
- Abdullah Issa: Renowned poet.
- Sana Moussa: Acclaimed singer.
- Soul Band from Gaza: Musical ensemble.
- Solidarity with Gaza
- Cancellation of Southern Theatre Activities: A historic gesture of solidarity.
- Donation Boxes: Organized by JHCO for contributions to Palestinians in Gaza.
- Empowering Local Women
- Product Sales: Direct sales opportunities for local women.
- Craftspeople: Hundreds of artisans showcasing their work.
- Participants: Nearly 1,000 individuals from various artistic fields.
The 38th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts not only celebrates Jordan’s rich cultural heritage but also stands as a powerful statement of support for Palestine. With a diverse program that includes poetry readings, intellectual conferences, and a strong presence of Palestinian culture, the festival promises to be a memorable event for all who attend.
