STORY: 37th Jerash Festival kicks off in Jordan
DATELINE: July 27, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:05
LOCATION: Amman
CATEGORY: CULTURE
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of 37th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): AYMAN SAMAWI, Executive director of the festival
 
STORYLINE:
 
The 37th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts kicked off Wednesday at a theater of Jerash archaeological site.
 
At the opening of the festival, Jordanian Minister of Culture Haifa Najjar, said that culture has been and still is the solid pillar of Jordan, as culture is a major entrance to inclusive development while helping improve the quality of life, representing a bridge for communication and a platform for dialogue among peoples, and a means of awareness of human values.
 
"This time, we will see the large presence of the festival's guests and participants from Arab and friendly countries, who carry their heritage, bringing varieties of music, colors of singing, folk heritage, schools of poetry, fields of literature, styles of visual arts, handicrafts, and cultural and creative industries," said the minister. 
Executive Director of the Jerash festival, Ayman Samawi, said that some 30 countries will participate in this year's Jerash Festival, with a thousand participants from countries outside Jordan, adding that there are 15-20 foreign and international bands participating.
 
SOUNDBITE (Arabic): AYMAN SAMAWI, Executive director of the festival
"Relations with our brothers in China have always been close and there is great cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Amman. This year witnesses the return of Chinese participation after the end of the coronavirus pandemic, which is a good thing, and I believe in the future, participation will be more productive and more effective."
 
The 11-day festival features a rich program of poetry, singing, dancing, and theatrical performances by Jordanian, Arab and international folklore groups.
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Amman.
(XHTV)