Ammon News - Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, on Wednesday inaugurated the 36th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts.

The Prime Minister lit the torch of the festival, marking the start of its activities, which will continue until August 6.

"Today in Jordan we are entering a new centennial in which joy is rooted, values of creativity are elevated, and the duality of art and culture is manifested," Minister of Culture, head of the festival’s higher committee, Haifa Al-Najjar, said in the opening ceremony.

Jerash Mayor, Ahmad Al-Utoum said over the past years, the people of Jerash have been keen to highlight their city as a tourist destination that attracts visitors from all parts of the world.

The festival features music and dance performances by artists from Jordan, the Arab region and beyond.