Amman, July 27 (QNA) - Qatar, represented by a delegation from the Ministry of Culture (MOC), is participating in the 37th edition of the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts. The festival, under the slogan "Joy Continues", will be held in the ancient city Jerash north of Jordan, and will continue through Aug. 5.

MOC's Director of the Heritage and Identity Department Sheikha Najla bint Faisal Al-Thani expressed that the ministry is making sure that Qatar's heritage and identity is highlighted through participating in these type of events in the Arab and foreign countries.

She added that two traditional crafts were chosen to represent Qatar in the festival; the bisht (cloak) and the qalafa (wooden ship-making). Al Maha Band will also participate in the festival's activities and will be performing Qatar's traditional folkloric dance.

The opening ceremony of the festival included folklore performances and songs, as well as an artistic presentation on Jerash's history and its successive civilizations. The festival will feature 343 activities, with the participation of about 2,000 artists, in addition to their Arab and international counterparts.

The festival includes poetry evenings and various musical programs for children. A special pavilion for people with Down syndrome will also be included to show their creativity. In 2011, Jordan revived the Jerash Festival, which was first launched in 1981, after a four-year suspension.

Jerash, which is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Jordan, is considered to be one the most important ancient cities in the country. It dates back to the era of Alexander III in the 4th century BC, has many Greek and Roman antiquities and is famous for its columns, terraces, squares, temples and churches.

(QNA)