jordan pulse -

AMMAN July 7, 2026: The Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, in its 40th edition, is witnessing the launch of the "Hippodrome" stage for the first time since the festival's inception, marking a major qualitative addition to its history.
​According to a press statement issued by the festival's management, the Hippodrome is one of the most prominent archaeological landmarks in the ancient city of Jerash. Originally built during the Roman era as a circuit for horse and chariot racing, the site is reclaiming its role as a public gathering space, now driven by arts, music, and global cultures. The launch represents an effort to revive a historic monument and transform it into a vibrant platform bridging heritage with contemporary creativity.
​The new open-air venue covers an area of 11 dunams within the archaeological city and accommodates up to 3,000 spectators. It will serve as a primary stage for international, Arab, and local performances, offering an expansive space to welcome the festival’s growing number of visitors.
​The Hippodrome will host 35 free events under the banner "The Hippodrome: A Hub for Global Cultures and Integrated Family Entertainment Programs". The scheduled lineup includes a mix of music, folkloric showcases, traditional dances, and modern cultural acts. International troupes from Italy, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Greece, South Korea, China, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka will participate. They will be joined by Arab performers from Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, Iraq, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, alongside Jordanian acts.
​This experience complements a broader family program set across the Sound and Light Theater and the Oval Plaza's "Gerasa Market," featuring 13 free events dedicated to families and children. These activities include children's theater, comedy shows by artist Hussein Tabishat and the comedic duo "Zaal and Khadra," as well as performances by the Zaha group.
​Additionally, the cultural landscape will feature the "Embassies Pavilion," consisting of 12 distinct sections representing various friendly and brotherly countries. This pavilion will display national heritages, folk arts, and traditional crafts, providing visitors with an interactive window into global cultures during the festival's 40th edition.