Fuheis, Sept. 21 (Petra) -- HRH Princess Dana Firas, President of the National Association for the Preservation of Petra, on Sunday launched the second Grape Festival in Fuheis, an event aimed at reviving the city's grape-growing traditions and supporting local farmers, producers and craftspeople.
Organized by the House of Heritage and Arts Association, the festival celebrates Fuheis' longstanding connection to vineyards and the grape harvest, highlighting their place in the city's agricultural, social and cultural heritage.
Princess Dana said Fuheis represents an important part of Jordan's cultural and historical memory, describing the festival as a way of transforming heritage into a living tradition that can be preserved and passed on to future generations.
She highlighted the participation of women from Fuheis in the festival bazaar, noting their role in preserving and passing down traditional recipes, crafts, skills and customs.
Princess Dana also commended the House of Heritage and Arts Association for its cultural and community initiatives, including the Jordanian Heritage Kitchen project, which won the Heritage Award in its inaugural edition in 2024.
Fuheis Municipal Committee President Imad Hayari said the festival provides productive families and small businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products while helping stimulate tourism and cultural activity in the city.
Association President Alida Madaeen said the initiative seeks to preserve and document Fuheis' intangible heritage, revive the city's connection with grape cultivation and encourage a new generation to reconnect with traditions associated with vineyards and harvest seasons.
She said the festival also aims to encourage grape cultivation, support local families, craftspeople and producers and create sustainable economic opportunities, with plans to broaden participation to other parts of the Kingdom.
The festival program included a visit by Princess Dana to the historic Orthodox church and its museum, performances by the St. George Scouts and Fuheis Youth Club, and a procession along the city's tourist street.
Princess Dana also opened the festival exhibition and bazaar and visited Housh Al-Salman and a traditional heritage house.
Other activities included a film documenting the festival's first edition in 2025, a local farmer's account of his connection to grape cultivation, a display of traditional Balqa and Fuheis attire, an artistic performance and a ceremony honoring supporters and participants.
//Petra// RZ
