Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts

The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts is an annual event in Jerash, Jordan, held from late July to early August. Founded in 1981, it brings together Jordanian, Arab, and international artists for performances in the city's historic Roman theaters.

• Held in Jerash's ancient Roman theaters
• Founded in 1981 by Queen Noor
• Features Jordanian, Arab, and international artists
• Attracts over 100,000 visitors annually
• Part of the wider Jordan Festival

What it is

The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts is a major annual gathering that transforms the ancient city of Jerash into a vibrant hub of creativity. Artists from Jordan, the Arab world, and beyond come together to present music, dance, and theatrical performances. The festival is a highlight of Jordan’s cultural calendar, drawing large crowds to celebrate artistic expression in a setting rich with history. For many, it is a chance to experience both contemporary and traditional arts in the evocative surroundings of Jerash’s Roman ruins.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 1981, established by Queen Noor of Jordan with the vision of enriching the country’s cultural life. It became part of the broader Jordan Festival, which seeks to promote the arts and foster cultural exchange. Over the years, the Jerash Festival has grown in scale and reputation, attracting performers and visitors from across the region and the world. Its setting in the ancient Roman theaters of Jerash adds a unique historical dimension to the event.

How it is celebrated

During the festival, Jerash’s Roman theaters and open spaces come alive with performances ranging from music concerts to dance and poetry readings. Jordanian artists share the stage with renowned Arab singers and international acts, offering a diverse program that appeals to a wide audience. The festival’s atmosphere is lively, with crowds gathering to enjoy the arts under the summer sky. Local crafts and food are often available, adding to the festive spirit. The event is known for its inclusivity, welcoming people of all ages to experience the richness of Jordanian and Arab culture.

Joining in

Visitors to the Jerash Festival can expect a warm welcome and a packed schedule of performances in the city’s historic venues. The main celebrations take place in Jerash, about an hour’s drive from Amman, making it accessible for travelers. Attendees typically enjoy a mix of music, dance, and theater, with opportunities to explore the ancient ruins between shows. It’s best to check the festival’s official website for program details and ticket information before planning your visit.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Jerash Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Jerash Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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