Jerash: The Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts continues to promote Jordan's traditional handicrafts by providing artisans with a platform to showcase their work to visitors, helping preserve the country's cultural heritage while supporting the economic empowerment of home-based producers.
According to Jordan News Agency, Majda Qarqouda, a trainer specializing in the traditional craft of Jordanian shemagh fringe-making, has participated in the festival every year since 2012. She describes it as an annual event eagerly anticipated by artisans, as it offers an opportunity to promote traditional crafts and market handmade products to a broad audience of Jordanian, Arab, and international visitors.
Qarqouda stated that the craft of finishing the fringes of the Jordanian shemagh is a traditional art that reflects the kingdom's national identity. Participation in the festival not only helps in preserving and promoting the craft but also supports those who practice it by providing an economic return that enables them to develop and sustain their businesses.
She highlighted that the festival brings together artisans from across Jordan's governorates, giving them a venue to display their work and exchange expertise. This strengthens the presence and visibility of Jordanian traditional crafts and handicrafts.
Qarqouda also encouraged festival visitors to explore the artisans' pavilions and learn about the craft of Jordanian shemagh fringe-making, as well as other traditional handicrafts that reflect the authenticity of Jordan's cultural heritage and national identity.