Jerash Closes the Curtain on Its 40th Edition

The Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts concluded its fortieth edition on Sunday evening with a ceremony marking the extinguishing of the flame and the handing over of the flag in the oval plaza of the ancient city of Jerash, signaling the end of an edition themed “A Heritage That Extends... Generations That Meet.” After several days of culture, arts, and literature, the festival achieved broad organizational and public success, further cementing its status as one of the region’s most prominent cultural and artistic events.

The closing ceremony was attended by Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Festival; Ammar Al-Hijazin, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; Dr. Malik Khreisat, Governor of Jerash; Mohammed Bani Yassin, Chairman of the Municipal Council; members of the Supreme Committee and other officials; local community members; and journalists. During the ceremony, the flame of the fortieth edition was extinguished, and the festival flag was lowered and handed over, formally marking the conclusion of the event’s activities.

The six theaters of the ancient city drew the curtain on the festival with a concert at the Southern Theater featuring Jordanian artists Najm Al-Salman, Ghada Abbasi, and Bashar Al-Sarhan. The Jordanian Musicians Union Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Haitham Sakka, welcomed the audience with the welcoming music of the Jerash Festival 2026, followed by performances of patriotic and emotional songs by Al-Salman, Abbasi, and Al-Sarhan.

Meanwhile, the Hippodrome Theater closed its curtains on its first participation in the Jerash Festival, having successfully established itself as one of the festival’s key stops by offering a comprehensive artistic and cultural experience that attracted large audiences throughout the event days. The closing evening was attended by Ministers Al-Rawashdeh and Al-Hijazin, Yazen Al-Khader, the Festival’s Executive Director, and Governor Khreisat, who watched performances by the Syrian Heritage Masterpieces Troupe, the Can Choir affiliated with the Jordanian Can Cultural Association, and concluded with a traditional folkloric presentation by the Iraqi Forum.

The Jerash Cultural Center concluded its artistic program at the Sound and Light Theater, while the Artemis Theater wrapped up its activities by hosting Jordanian folk troupes.