Jordan Daily - The 40th edition of the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, held under the theme "A Legacy That Endures... Generations Unite," concluded after delivering one of its most comprehensive programmes to date, reaffirming the festival's position as one of the region's leading cultural events.
Over the course of the festival, more than 226 cultural, artistic, literary, and heritage events were presented across Jerash's historic venues, attracting approximately 130,000 visitors from Jordan and abroad.
The festival brought together participants from 32 countries, including 14 countries through its Cultural Exchange Programme and 10 countries represented through embassy pavilions. More than 1,300 artists, performers, writers, and creative practitioners from Jordan, the Arab region, and around the world took part in a diverse programme encompassing music, theatre, literature, visual arts, folklore, heritage, and family-oriented activities.
The festival also received extensive media coverage, with more than 100 Jordanian, Arab, and international media outlets covering its events, contributing to the promotion of Jordan's cultural landscape and tourism offering to regional and international audiences.
This year's edition was marked by strong engagement with the local community through the participation of Jordanian artists, cultural institutions, civil society organisations, artisans, home-based producers, and volunteers. The festival also expanded its programme by introducing new venues, including the Hippodrome Theatre and the Zeus Vault, further enriching the visitor experience while showcasing the archaeological site of Jerash.
Held amid challenging regional circumstances, the successful organisation of the festival demonstrated Jordan's ability to host major international cultural events in a safe, stable, and well-organised environment. The festival highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to cultural exchange and reinforced its reputation as a destination for arts, heritage, and tourism.
In addition to its cultural programme, the festival contributed to supporting the local economy through increased visitor activity, the promotion of Jordanian creative industries, and opportunities for local businesses, artisans, and tourism service providers.
Building on the success of its 40th edition, the Jerash Festival continues to strengthen its role as a platform for cultural dialogue, artistic excellence, and international cooperation, while contributing to Jordan's broader cultural, tourism, and sustainable development objectives.
