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— Festival held under theme ‘A legacy that endures… generations unite’
— Exceptional programmereimagining Jordan’s cultural, tourism experience, celebrating four decades of creativity
AMMAN — Under Royal patronage, the 40th edition of the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts will take place from July 22 to August 2, marking a “major milestone” in the festival’s history as it celebrates four decades of continuous “cultural and artistic excellence.”
Over the past forty years, the Jerash Festival has established itself as one of the Arab world’s leading cultural and artistic platforms, the organising committee said in a statement.
“This year’s edition builds on that legacy with a renewed vision aimed at delivering a richer and more diverse experience for visitors.”
The programme will feature an outstanding lineup of Jordanian, Arab, and international artists and creators, alongside new initiatives and experiences that further strengthen the festival’s position as a premier cultural and tourism destination. It also features more than 207 events across the ancient city of Jerash and several governorates throughout Jordan.
Activities range from concerts, musical and theatrical performances, poetry readings, literary evenings, art exhibitions, folklore and heritage showcases, as well as Arab and international participation that reflects the festival’s distinctive cultural diversity.
Held under the theme "A Legacy That Endures… Generations That Unite," this year’s festival celebrates a cultural and artistic journey spanning four decades.
Throughout the years, the Jerash Festival has preserved its rich heritage while bringing together successive generations of artists and audiences, remaining a vibrant platform that celebrates cultural legacy while creating space for new voices and emerging talent, the statement said.
Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Festival’s Higher Committee, Mustafa Rawashdeh, described the 40th edition as a defining moment in the journey of one of Jordan’s most significant national cultural projects and one of the Arab region’s most prominent initiatives.
He noted that the Jerash Festival has evolved far beyond a seasonal arts event, becoming a cultural and civilisational platform that reflects modern Jordan and demonstrates its ability to foster dialogue and build bridges between peoples and cultures through creativity and the arts.
Rawashdeh also said that this historic milestone represents the culmination of decades of sustained cultural work and embodies a renewed vision that balances preserving the festival’s rich heritage with embracing contemporary forms of cultural and artistic expression.
He emphasised that this year’s programme has been designed to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds, while providing greater opportunities for Jordanian artists and performing groups to present their work to local, regional, and international audiences alongside distinguished Arab and international guests.
He also stressed the festival’s continued developmental role alongside its cultural mission.
"Through supporting local communities, artisans, and small businesses, and strengthening tourism in Jerash Governorate, the festival contributes to national efforts to position culture as a driver of economic and social development, a source of national pride, and a vehicle for cultural exchange," he said.
Festival Executive Director Yazan Al Khadir described the 40th edition as a transformative step in the evolution of the Jerash Festival.
He said that extensive efforts have been made to redesign the visitor journey in line with international best practices for major festivals.
Al Khadir added that this year’s festival will introduce a wide range of experiences being implemented for the first time, to transform a visit to Jerash into a comprehensive cultural and tourism experience that extends well beyond attending traditional concerts and performances.
He emphasised that the festival’s organisers have worked to ensure that this historic edition reflects Jerash Festival’s growing stature on both the regional and international stage.
"This is evident through the scale of artistic and cultural participation, expanded international and diplomatic engagement, and strengthened efforts to promote Jerash as a year-round cultural and tourism destination rather than one visited only during the festival period," he said.
Qatar will participate as the Festival’s Guest of Honour, reflecting the strong fraternal ties and deep-rooted relations between the two countries, the statement said.
Qatar’s participation will enrich the programme through a variety of activities and events showcasing Qatari cultural heritage.
This festival also benefits from extensive collaboration between the public and private sectors as part of a shared effort to enhance its cultural, tourism, and economic impact.
Memoranda of understanding have been signed with the Friends of Jordan Association and the Jordan Agency for Events and PR to strengthen national promotional efforts, encourage community engagement, and support accompanying activities and events, the statement said.
"These partnerships represent a successful model of national collaboration in support of culture, tourism, and sustainable development."
Beyond its cultural and artistic programme, the festival aims to strengthen Jerash Governorate’s position as a year-round tourism destination, including highlighting new hospitality projects and tourism facilities, while encouraging Jordanian, Arab, and international visitors to discover the governorate’s rich blend of archaeological, natural, and cultural attractions.
This year’s programme also features several major additions being introduced for the first time to enhance visitor engagement and interaction with the archaeological site.
Highlights include 3D projection mapping on historic landmarks, curated marketplaces, dedicated dining and relaxation areas, entertainment experiences for families and children, and a variety of interactive activities that enrich the overall visitor experience.
