Monday, 25 May 2026
Sinai Folk Arts light up Jerash Festival in Jordan
The vibrant colors and lively rhythms of Sinai illuminated the ancient city of Jerash, as Egypt’s Al-Arish Folklore Troupe brought the spirit of Sinai’s heritage to the prestigious 39th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts in Jordan. The performance was attended by Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, who led the official Egyptian delegation, and was warmly received by Jordanian and international audiences.
Held on Thursday night in the festival’s main square, the troupe—part of Egypt’s General Authority for Cultural Palaces—received a special tribute from Jerash Festival organizers. Among the honored guests were Jordanian Minister of Culture Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh, senior Egyptian cultural diplomats, and distinguished cultural figures from across the Arab world.
Under the artistic direction of Samah El-Kashf, the Al-Arish troupe performed a captivating selection of traditional dances and songs, showcasing authentic Bedouin life. Highlights included performances of dabke, “Qaymu Al-Afrah” (a traditional celebration), dahiyya dance, and original Sinai folk singing, all met with enthusiastic applause and admiration.
Minister Ahmed Fouad Henno expressed his deep appreciation for the troupe’s artistry, stating, "This creative performance truly reflects the real spirit of Sinai, sharing its people’s heartbeat and authenticity with the world. What we witnessed tonight affirms that our folk arts are not simply heritage—they are a vibrant, living cultural message that brings nations closer together."
Dr. Henno also underscored the importance of Egypt’s presence at such cultural forums, describing the Al-Arish Folklore Troupe’s participation as “a testament to Egypt’s active role in regional cultural life and our commitment to celebrating and supporting Egypt’s rich artistic legacy.”
The Al-Arish Folklore Troupe, established in 1975, has a proud history of showcasing Sinai’s unique traditions at festivals and international gatherings, from Egypt’s Ismailia and Aswan festivals to Algeria, Greece, Turkey, Zimbabwe, and even the United Nations COP27 climate conference.
This year’s Jerash Festival—a jewel of the Jordanian cultural calendar—was inaugurated under the patronage of Jordan’s Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan, representing King Abdullah II. The festival hosts an array of music, drama, poetry, and folk performances in the city’s ancient Roman theaters, celebrating Arab creativity and fostering vibrant cultural exchange among nations.