AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan inaugurated on Wednesday the 39th edition of the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, lighting the ceremonial torch to mark the official launch of this year’s events.

 

Running through August 2, the festival carries the theme, “Here is Jordan… and Its Glory Continues,” according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

 

The opening ceremony dazzled audiences with a drone show that illuminated the night sky with images of His Majesty, HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the festival’s torch and logo, the Roman ruins of Jerash, and the national flag.

 

In his opening remarks, Minister of Culture and head of the festival’s higher committee Mustafa Rawashdeh described the festival as a tribute to Jordan’s cultural spirit and steadfast values, Petra said.

 

Rawashdeh emphasised that the festival serves not only to promote creative expression but also to reflect the Kingdom’s national message, rooted in enlightenment, cultural dialogue, and support for justice. He highlighted Jordan’s ongoing commitment to the Palestinian cause and the Kingdom’s firm stance against Israeli aggression on Gaza and violations in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

 

This year’s edition also aims to broaden local participation, with a focus on meaningful, socially conscious art that aligns with Jordan’s values and its pan-Arab identity, he said.

 

The evening’s programme featured a theatrical and musical performance celebrating Jordan’s legacy, leadership, and poetic tradition, using the ancient Roman amphitheater as a backdrop for dynamic four-dimensional projections of historic footage, national symbols, and animated poetry.

 

Traditional Jordanian dances and folkloric performances filled the stage, culminating in a headline concert by Jordanian star Omar Abdallat, honored as the “Voice of Jordan” for his contributions to national music.