Source: https://top-list.co/top-most-famous-festivals-in-jordan-v3865.html
1. Muharram, 2. Islamic Holidays, 3. Jerash Festival of Arts & Culture, 4. Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival, 5. Amman International Theater Festival, 6. Azraq Festival, 7. Rally of Jordan. Amman, Jordan's capital, has been there since ancient times and is one of the world's oldest cities. The country has been controlled by various distinct empires and has seen several different ages. As a result, there is a great deal of historical, cultural, and religious variety. Jordan has several noteworthy and intriguing festivals and events each year. These are the 7 most famous festivals in Jordan.
- Muharram
- Islamic Holidays
- Jerash Festival of Arts & Culture
- Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival
- Amman International Theater Festival
- Azraq Festival
- Rally of Jordan
Muharram
Known as one of the most famous festivals in Jordan, The Islamic New Year begins with this festivity. It is called “Muharram” after the first month of the Islamic calendar. On the Gregorian calendar, it occurs at a different time each year. This is since the Islamic calendar is lunar, and the sighting of the new moon marks the start of each new month.
The ceremonies on this day center on the birth of Muhammad, the prophet who is credited with spreading and solidifying Islam in Muslim countries. To commemorate it, Muslims visit their mosques and pray to Allah multiple times a day. The date varies from year to year, but it is observed in all Islamic countries. Muharram is commemorated with cuisine, dances, and traditions in many Jordanian towns and cities.
When: in June
Where: in the whole country
Photo: https://www.touristjordan.com/
Photo: https://www.holidayscalendar.com/
Islamic Holidays
Because Jordan’s population is predominantly Muslim, Islamic holidays have a significant cultural significance in the country. Ramadhaan, as well as the two Eid festivities, are prominent Islamic “holidays.”
The first day of the Hegian or Islamic calendar, which marks the emigration of the prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, is observed as the Muslim New Year. Although Friday is not a very religious day, all mosques remain open and believers’ music can be heard throughout the day.
When: in July
Photo: https://www.officeholidays.com/
Photo: https://www.gojordantours.com/
Jerash Festival of Arts & Culture
Not only in Jerash, but throughout the country, the ancient city of Jerash organizes one of the largest and most famous festivals. The event was founded in 1981 by Queen Noor Al Hussein. Since then, it has grown into an international cultural phenomenon. Visitors, performers, and artists from all over the world gather there for a once-in-a-lifetime event.
The Jerash Festival is usually held between the end of July and the beginning of August. Because of the summer heat, it is also a very slow season for tourism. People can see a variety of art forms during a week. Numerous musicians, dancers, singers, folklore ensembles, orchestras, ballet and theater, poetry, handicrafts, and other art demonstrations are featured during this event. Performances are well-categorized and separated from one another, allowing guests to take a stroll through the city’s runic atmosphere.
When: July-August
Where: in the whole country.
Photo: https://www.memphistours.com/
Photo: https://www.memphistours.org/
Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival
Jordan has a diverse culture, and this Traditional Arts Festival takes place in Aqaba, a town in the north of the country. This festival honors the Bedouin people’s culture, which includes showing their talents.
The fact that Aqaba is Jordan’s only maritime town is its most appealing attribute. Tala Bay beach resort is known throughout the country for its scuba diving. It is extremely advised that no Aqaba Festival be missed. While at the festival, visitors can participate in several diving activities. This festival gives its visitors unlimited freedom but never fails to surprise them. People typically come to Jordan with low expectations and leave completely surprised. The essence of this festival reflects the aforementioned rich Arabic culture and tradition.
When: in February
Where: Aqaba, Jordan
Photo: https://www.grand-jo.com/
Photo: https://travelhunter.dk/
Amman International Theater Festival
Amman hosts a large number of one-of-a-kind events and festivals. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, it’s just another festival day in Amman. Jordanians display unique handcrafted goods for sale, similar to other festivals. Furthermore, after the first year’s success, this city will host the International Dates Festival for the second year. People can sample some of the world’s best and healthiest dates.
This dramatic spectacle has cemented its place in Jordan’s cultural and traditional culture. This is recognized as a reliable forum for aspiring artists to express themselves and exchange creative ideas with the Arab world’s most outstanding theater experts. The unrestricted flow of ideas and expression continues to benefit Amman’s artistic atmosphere.
When: in March
Where: Amman, Jordan
Photo: https://www.hellotravel.com/
Photo: https://www.jordantimes.com/
Azraq Festival
Visit the little Jordanian village of Azraq, which serves as the gateway to the Eastern Desert, for a festival of music, dancing, and delectable local cuisine. The Azraq Festival was designed to share local customs as well as promote the community’s high-quality art and crafts, and despite being one of Jordan’s smallest festivals, its lively atmosphere draws large crowds every year.
Its main goal is to promote and exhibit the culture, art, and crafts of this lovely town. It’s a colorful and cheerful occasion, with street dances and music, local food for sale, and a lovely community gathering. It’s one of Jordan’s tiniest events, but it’s worth seeing.
Where: Azraq, Jordan
Photo: https://www.ayla.com.jo/
Photo: https://pagina66.com/
Rally of Jordan
Every year in October, Jordan holds its annual Rally. This is the last most famous festival in Jordan. It is a prominent Jordanian event that draws people from all around the country as well as from other countries. The Rally of Jordan is a motorcar racing and rallying event that is perfect for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers. A complete race car set is constructed, attracting enormous crowds from all across Jordan and the neighboring areas to see this thrilling and adrenaline-pumping automotive event and festival.
It takes place in the desert, with the dunes serving as racetracks for automobiles. It’s a magnificent event with 1008 kilometers of track for rally drivers to compete on. If you enjoy vehicles and racing, you will not want to miss the Jordan Rally.
When: in October
Where: Rumman Hill
Photo: https://www.fia.com/
Photo: https://www.rallyraidnetwork.com/
