News Editor
Jordan Daily - Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, will return this summer for its 40th edition under the slogan "A Legacy That Endures, Generations Unite," highlighting four decades of artistic achievement while introducing new initiatives aimed at strengthening community participation and cultural exchange.
Speaking to Radio Jordan, Jerash Festival Executive Director Yazan Al-Khadiri said the anniversary edition would feature more than 200 cultural, artistic, family and children's events, reaffirming the festival's position as one of the region's leading cultural platforms.
"The festival honors four decades of cultural continuity, artistic excellence and meaningful engagement with audiences from different generations," Al-Khadiri said. "It conveys a message of continuity and renewal, demonstrating that Jerash remains a living cultural institution that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its history and culture."
Held annually in the ancient Roman city of Jerash, the festival attracts thousands of visitors from Jordan and abroad, combining music, theatre, folklore, literature and visual arts in one of the country's most prominent cultural gatherings.
Supporting Jordanian artists remains at the core of the festival's mission, according to Al-Khadiri. This year's programme will feature leading Jordanian performers alongside Arab and international artists, creating opportunities for local talent to reach wider audiences.
The festival is also working closely with national cultural organizations, including the Jordanian Artists Syndicate, the Jordanian Writers Association and the Fine Arts Association, to strengthen local participation.
Beyond showcasing Jordanian talent, the festival serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international exchange. Al-Khadiri said the 2026 edition would host more than 35 cultural exchange programmes involving artists, folklore groups and performers from countries including Italy, Japan, Hungary, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen and South Korea.
"Through this exchange, Jerash reinforces Jordan's position as a regional hub for culture and arts," he said, adding that such collaborations promote dialogue, mutual understanding and artistic cooperation among participating countries.
One of the most significant additions this year is the introduction of a new venue within the archaeological city: the Hippodrome. A large stage with a capacity of more than 3,000 spectators is being developed to host performances and community activities.
The site will also feature a dedicated marketplace where women from Jerash can display and sell local products, handicrafts and textiles, reflecting a broader effort to support local communities.
Al-Khadiri described the initiative as one of the festival's most important partnerships with the local community, particularly women entrepreneurs.
"We are creating opportunities for local businesses led by women and young people to showcase their products and engage with visitors," he said. Dedicated spaces at both the Hippodrome and the Forum will allow participants to present cultural initiatives and take part in volunteer programmes.
While visitor numbers are important, Al-Khadiri said the festival's success is measured by its lasting impact on communities across Jordan.
"We encourage people to come and visit," he said. “It will be a very diverse programme that caters to all generations and interests.”
