Celebrating Jordanian life, culture

Thursday’s main celebration of Jordan’s 71st Independence Day was different.

It was void of speeches by state officials, but full of messages about Jordanian life, culture, achievement, pride and hope in a better future.

These messages were delivered in drama, music, songs, recitations and presentations by icons of the Jordanian art movement as well as youth with a record of achievement, some of whom received medals of honour from His Majesty King Abdullah at the ceremony.

The celebration carried the surprise of having 82-year-old Lebanese singer Samira Tawfik, who carried the banner of the Jordanian song in the 1970s and 80s, perform some of her top songs, still popular until nowadays, along with Jordanian singer Zain Awad.  Tawfik, who sang seated due to her old age and health condition, received a standing ovation from the crowd, with both Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania moving to stage to greet her and thank her for the performance and lifetime achievement.

In addition, those attending the celebration were delighted to hear a magnificent performance of the opera piece “Nussun Dorma” by eight-year-old Jordanian Emanne Beasha, coming fresh to Amman from Beirut after winning the 2017 title of the pan-regional Arabs Got Talent earlier in the week.

Beasha received the King Abdullah II Medal of Merit for her achievement, along with 15 other compatriots who excelled in their field of work in various fields, including art, science, technology, medicine, sport, education, voluntary work, enterprising and literature.

Another young talent that also received a medal for her achievement was 12-year-old Joud Mbaideen, who was honoured for becoming the youngest Arab novelist after publishing two books and for launching an initiative to encourage reading under the motto “A Book at the threshold of every door”.

Mbaideen also received a round of applause by the audience for proclaiming that she wants to become prime minister while performing a drama piece during the televised celebration, also embodying the spirit of the ceremony intended to honour achievement and motivate young females and males that they can be whatever they want if armed with will and ambition.

Thursday’s was a celebration of achievement by not only the women, men, old and young, of our country, but also by excelling establishments, working in various fields among them education, culture and music. 

It was a celebration of life in all its aspects, including art and culture, which were the highlights of the ceremony.

And there was no better way to celebrate Jordan’s Independence Day than by celebrating Jordan’s art, culture and achievement.

Happy Independence Day Jordan.