As the Muezzin raises the call to prayer (Adhan) for Maghrib, a serene silence briefly blankets the city, only to be followed by the joyful clamor and laughter of families gathered on the beaches to spend cherished moments together.
اضافة اعلان
Among them is the family of Mohammad Al-Kabariti, who shares: "With the start of Ramadan, we embrace the idea of 'interactive Iftar' by setting up beachfront Ramadan tents." He explains that he enjoys sharing the city’s famous "Sayadieh" dish with his family and guests, who eagerly anticipate this seaside tradition every year. These rituals bring joy to young and old alike, offering an exceptional atmosphere unique to these blessed days.
"Ramadan Evenings": The Pulsing Heart of the City
What distinguishes Aqaba this year is the cultural program titled "Ramadan Evenings" (Amasi Ramadan). Held at the Prince Rashid Club, the program has become a destination for families seeking refined and purposeful entertainment.
Running throughout the holy month, the program aims to enrich the Ramadan atmosphere with diverse cultural and artistic activities, bridging the gap between younger generations and their ancient cultural heritage. Tariq Al-Badour, Director of the Aqaba Culture Directorate, noted that the program—a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)—features theater, music, chanting (Inshad), and poetry that resonate with all family members.
Family and Child Carnival
The "Family and Child Carnival" has captured the hearts of Aqaba’s youth. It offers interactive games, a puppet theater that narrates stories about fasting and ethics with humor, and art workshops where children learn to craft traditional Ramadan lanterns (Fanoos) and decorations.
Zeina Daham, a mother of three, says: "This carnival provided everything we needed. My children can't stop talking about the Hakawati (storyteller) who blends entertainment with education. While they play, they learn about Aqaba’s maritime heritage and the importance of solidarity in Ramadan."
Nights of Inshad and Heritage
One of the most popular events was the "Syrian Heritage and Inshad" night. Voices echoed with religious Muwashahat and Aleppine Qudud, harmonizing beautifully with Jordanian heritage. The audience at the Prince Rashid Club experienced hours of spiritual transcendence through prophetic praise and melodies that reflect the artistic diversity hosted by the Kingdom.
Syrian chanter Wasim Al-Hayek Al-Shami remarked: "Chanting in Aqaba has a different flavor; the audience here is appreciative of heritage. We felt as if we were among family." He added that these evenings serve as bridges of love, with religious chanting being a universal language.
Market Pulse and Nightlife
Even at midnight, the movement in Aqaba remains vibrant. Shopping centers stay open until the early hours of dawn, and recreational areas buzz with the laughter of youth and children. The streets, adorned with colorful lanterns and decorations, witness active trade as residents purchase Ramadan essentials.
Adding to the city's charm are the youth-led volunteer initiatives. Young people can be found distributing dates and water at traffic lights during Iftar, while charitable societies organize "Iftar Tables" (Mawa'ed Al-Rahman) for the needy and travelers.
"As the youth of Aqaba, we feel a responsibility toward our city and its visitors," says young volunteer Sara Mohammad. "Participating in organizing events or distributing Iftar meals gives us a true sense of the value of giving."
