- Title: JORDAN-JERASH FESTIVAL Jordan celebrates 30 years of cultural festival
- Date: 26th July 2015
- Summary: ONE OF THE PERFORMANCES ON STAGE AUDIENCE MEMBERS WATCHING LOCAL SINGERS SINGING VISITORS GATHERING THE FLAME OF JERASH FESTIVAL
- Embargoed: 10th August 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Jordan
- Country: Jordan
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA7OL7UOTN8C59PU5ZQ34C3NXAQ
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Amid the the Greco-Roman ruins in Jordan's ancient town of Jerash a strong security presence ensures that this year's festival gets off to a smooth start.
The Jerash Festival which opened on Thursday (July 23) celebrates traditional music and culture in the kingdom.
This year is the event's 30th anniversary and in a region marred by turmoil, Jordan's Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad al Momani said it's the stability in the country that enables a festival of this kind to be held.
"Thank God for the ability of this country to keep its security and stability and its ability to be a gathering environment for all segments of its society. We sit today to celebrate a local and folkloric festival and many capitals around us are facing bloodshed on its streets, therefore this is a message of pride for every Jordanian for the country's ability to resist and deal with all challenges,'' he said.
The Jerash Festival brings together local and international stars. But it's also a time for local craftsmen to sell their handmade goods.
Fadwa Awad is one of the sellers.
"For me I noticed that this year is much better than last year as the number of participants is much bigger and many people came from different countries which is a good opportunity for us to see our products as the local Jordanian products have to take their place, as they are really good,'' said Awad.
Thursday's opening night saw Jordanian singer Omar Adwallat take to the stage, with jubilant crowds on their feet.
"Regarding this year's Jerash, the opening is great and it is well organised and there is a good security and thank God it is safe and the situation is stable and the activities are good and organised in a good manner,'' said festival goer Khaled Abu Juwda.
Singing sensations Nancy Ajram, Maya Diab and Yara as well as dance troupes from Palestine, Algeria, and India are all set to entertain the crowds here in the upcoming days.
The festival runs until August 1. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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