MADABA -- Layali Madaba, a week-long festival of food, shopping and entertainment, got under way on Monday, in the ancient city of Madaba, best known for its religious history and Byzantine mosaics.
The festival, which features performers such as bands, folklore dance groups and magicians, will run through the first day of Eid Al Fitr, according to the organisers.
"It is wonderful to be at such a festival," said Elias Khouri, one of the visitors on the opening night.
"It provides the family with all that it needs as there are playgrounds for the children, cultural activities and a handicrafts market," he told The Jordan Times.
Best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, Madaba is home to the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The map covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George that is located northwest of the city centre.
The mosaic, which was originally composed of over 2.3 million pieces, was created around 560AD.
Situated 30 kilometres southwest of Amman, Madaba, which is home to many Jordanian Christians, was known in the Bible as the Moabite town of Medaba.
Organisers of Layali Madaba hope the festival will not only promote the city's historical landmarks, but also provide traditional cultural activities for local families and visitors.
"It will help encourage tourism, which is a major sector in Madaba, and promote the archaeological sites in the governorate, such as the Baptism Site and the Mount Nebo," said Ahmad Kasabneh, a father of two, who brought his family to the festival's launch ceremony on Monday evening.
One of the city's main streets has been converted into a pedestrian area for the event, and is illuminated with lights and Ramadan decorations.
Visitors to Layali Madaba can buy handicrafts, including mosaic items, and Ramadan sweets and drinks at food stalls and cafs inside the festival area.
Activities are also available for families and children such as painting, games, a jumping castle, magicians and shows by Ammo Shadi.
Jordanian singer Omar Al Abdallat is scheduled to perform on the final night of the festival.
"The timing of holding this festival is perfect as well, because it will continue until the first day of Eid Al Fitr, which will keep the city busy around-the-clock," Said Kasabneh, a Madaba resident and owner of a grocery store told The Jordan Times.
"This is good for businesses and it provides families with entertainment," he added.
Layali Madaba, organised by the Madaba Tourism Development Association, is financed by the USAID-funded Jordan Tourism Development Project (Siyaha).
It is the first initiative in the association's Holiday Theme Programme and part of a strategy to brand Madaba as a premier local tourism destination during holiday seasons.
The festival seeks to attract local, resident and foreign visitors to this historic city for a unique cultural experience, organisers told The Jordan Times.
Approximately 16,000 visitors are expected at Layali Madaba, which is held from 8:00pm until 12:00 midnight daily at the Madaba Visitors Centre, and extending along Artisans Street.
The next festival is planned for the Christmas season, with special programmes for tourists, families and schoolchildren.
By Mohammad Ghazal and Stephanie Berrong
© Jordan Times 2006
