jordan pulse -

Amman The 38th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts commenced yesterday under the patronage of His Majesty, with notable Arab and international presence. This year's festival aims to showcase Jordan's cultural and artistic message to the world, with a special focus on Palestine.

The opening ceremony was attended by diplomats and artists from various countries. Prime Minister Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh, representing King Abdullah II, lit the festival flame, carried by Jordanian poet Haidar Mahmoud, symbolizing the importance of poetry and culture.

Minister of Culture Haifa Najjar and Jerash Mayor Ahmad Al-Atoom highlighted the festival's cultural and humanitarian significance, emphasizing its role in carrying Jordan's message to the world.

The opening event, hosted by media personality Randa Karadsheh and artist Akef Najem, featured the national anthem performed by the National Music Conservatory Orchestra. The audience enjoyed various artistic performances, including the musical "Kingdom of Civilizations," featuring poetry by Haidar Mahmoud and music by Egyptian composer Amir Abdel Meguid, performed by artists Mohamed El-Helou, Marwa Nagy (Egypt), Nidaa Sharara, and Rami Shafiq (Jordan).

The evening continued with the historical narrative "Kingdom of Time... The Promise Continues," written by Mufleh Al-Adwan and directed by Naji Salameh, followed by the musical "King of Hearts," with lyrics by poet Ali Al-Faoury, music and performance by artist Roz Al-War, and arrangement by maestro Mohamed Othman Sediq.

Other performances included "Homeland of Abdullah" with lyrics by Saudi poet Saleh Al-Shadi, music and arrangement by Ayman Abdullah, and performed by Diana Karazon, as well as the song "Amman Loosened Her Braids" with lyrics by Haidar Mahmoud, music by the late composer Jamil Al-As, and performed by Marwa Nagy from Egypt.

Artist Omar Al-Abdallat performed several patriotic songs, followed by a from the dance troupe "Raf" for Performing Arts. The National Music Conservatory Orchestra, led by maestro Mohamed Othman Sediq, concluded the event.

This year's festival, themed "The Promise Continues," celebrates Gaza and Palestine while honoring Jordan's intellectual achievements across various fields. The festival saw a significant turnout at the opening, with diverse Arab and international folkloric groups participating throughout the event. The cultural and artistic program is packed with seminars, poetry readings, and a strong presence of Arab poets.

The Jerash Festival management expressed solidarity with Gaza's situation by closing the South Theatre and replacing it with an intensive cultural and artistic program at the main square in Jerash, the Royal Cultural Center in Amman, various governorates, and partnering cultural and artistic organizations.