Family day introduces children, adults to European culture

AMMAN — A family day held in the capital’s Jabal Luweibdeh neighbourhood on Saturday offered Jordanians a closer look at European culture and art.

The event was held as part of several cultural activities funded by the EU and implemented by the EU National Institutes for Culture
(EUNIC), and was the latest in a series of family days held this year.

Activities included pottery making with Jordanian artists, using recycled materials to generate new and interesting sounds, a painting activity led by the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and a crafts session, according to a statement issued by organisers.

Saturday’s family day also featured a performance by La Notte Della Taranta, an internationally renowned music group from the south of Italy. 

EU Ambassador to Jordan Joanna Wronecka said the EU delegation in Jordan wanted to provide the public with a rich programme in outdoor venues. 

“These activities targeted all Jordanians, including children and young people... [and] help enhance their artistic sense,” she told The Jordan Times.

European families residing in Jordan also participated in the family day.

Wronecka said such events promote cultural exchange between Jordan and Europe. 

“Jordan is really important for the EU and a unique partner. We can see Jordanian civilisation and they can see our culture.” 

Jordanians participating in the family day said families in Jordan need such events. 

Huda Tamimi, who came with her nephew, said holding outdoor activities enables all segments of society to enjoy a day of fun. 

“They are really good because they encourage children to interact by engaging in simple pastimes. Such events also improve children’s social skills as they meet new people and make new friends. These activities help create a new social character for them,” she added.  

Molouk Shehadeh, who came with her two children, was also happy with the day’s programmes, noting that they enabled children to enjoy their time engaging in entertaining, yet educational, pursuits. 

Hussam Abdul Latif, who brought along his son, noted that such events encourage children to do something more productive and educational than just watching television.

Spending time outdoors enables children to interact with each other, Abdul Latif said, adding that it also exposes them to several kinds of art such as painting and sculpture. 

“Such activities help bring all family members together at one place to enjoy their day,” he added.