The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts ignited the flame of its 37th edition today, Wednesday, which will run until August 5, under the slogan "The Joy Continues," featuring a busy program that includes 343 events and the participation of around 2,000 guests. The ancient city of Jerash is located about 48 kilometers from the capital Amman and ranks second after Petra on the list of favorite places to visit in Jordan.
During the opening ceremony at the northern archaeological theater, the festival presented the operetta "River of Gold," which highlights the history and cultural heritage of Jerash, written by Mufleh Al-Adwan, composed by Talal Abu Raghif, and directed by Lina Al-Tal. Jordanian artist Omar Abdul Latif will perform an evening concert at the southern theater.
Jordan's Minister of Culture Haifa Al-Najjar stated at the opening: "Today we ignite the festival's flame with confidence and hope, for what the festival has accumulated in the cultural and artistic realm has been nothing but the result of significant participation from Jordanian creators, the active involvement of the local community, and the large presence of festival guests from Arab and friendly countries and all over the world."
The festival program includes concerts by artists such as Wael Kfoury from Lebanon, Saber Rebai from Tunisia, Khalid Abdul Rahman from Saudi Arabia, Hani Shakir from Egypt, George Wassouf from Syria, and Nidaa Sharara from Jordan. The events also feature the "Tabla Al-Sitt" group from Egypt, the Gardenia Choir from Syria, the National Folk Arts Troupe from Tunisia, the Petra Folklore Troupe from Jordan, and the Bahraini Singing Arts Troupe.
Additionally, the program showcases a variety of plays and films, as well as poetry evenings, intellectual seminars, and recreational activities on the Columns Street, along with a family and children's carnival in the Sound and Light Theater area.
Alongside the festival, a seminar titled "Media and Jerusalem" will be held, featuring George Kordahi from Lebanon, Mahmoud Saad from Egypt, Hani Al-Badri from Jordan, as well as a symposium on plastic arts and a symposium for children in Jerash.
Egypt is the guest of honor at the 37th edition of the festival, participating with a delegation of artists, musicians, and intellectuals headed by Minister of Culture Neveen El-Kilani.
