Amman, May 13 (Petra) -- Minister of Culture, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, Mustafa Rawashdeh, on Wednesday stressed the festival's importance in showcasing Jordanian culture, both regionally and internationally.

The festival's 40th edition, scheduled for July, will feature a distinguished cultural and artistic program celebrating the event's achievements over past decades, Rawashdeh said in a statement.

The festival is a key cultural legacy and a national, Arab and international social and artistic phenomenon that reflects Jordan's image as an oasis of security and stability, while carrying a humanitarian message, he added.

Rawashdeh said the upcoming event will highlight Jordan's cultural diversity, heritage and historical presence, noting that the Kingdom's national narrative will be a central theme throughout the festival's activities.

"The festival embodies Jordanian national identity and the values of art, life and beauty, while expressing the depth and authenticity of Jordanian culture," he pointed out.

The minister said Jordanian artists and cultural figures will be a key feature across the festival's literary and artistic programs, underscoring a diverse and rich national artistic scene.

Cultural activities account for over 80 percent of the festival's events, he pointed out, stressing cooperation with Jordanian cultural and art institutions, while also serving as a platform for Arab and international creativity and folklore.

Launched in the 1980s, the festival has helped introduce many Arab artists and performers, who later rose to prominence, with local, Arab and international poets, artists and bands participating on its historic stages, said the minister.

He added that the festival underlines culture and art as "soft power" in promoting positive national values, and it will remain Jordan's "festival of festivals" and a beacon of enlightenment, thought and creativity.

Rawashdeh said the festival also supports Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision and efforts to empower cultural and creative industries as part of sustainable development plans.

//Petra// NQ


13/05/2026 16:08:25