Motaz Othman ,
Amman - Jordan
In one of the biggest and most unique carnivals in the region, attended by hundreds of thousands of citizens and visitors and broadcasted live to millions, Amman the capital city of Jordan celebrated on Friday the 9th October its centennial anniversary through hundreds of cars and carriages drawn by horses together with over 2000 participants represent the hundred years of the progress, transformation and civilization in Amman. The Carnival started from the famous Roman Amphitheater crossing down town city passing by King Hussien Mosque towards the City Hall.
The centennial carnival was held under the patronage of their majesties Kind Abdullah and Queen Rania, attended by the prime minister, princes and the head of the political institutes in Jordan in addition by foreign Ambassadors in Jordan.
The celebration came after 100 years of the first Municipal Council in Amman that founded in 1909.
In addition culture, musical and functions will continue in Amman till the end of this year. Love and loyalty from Ammanis (citizens of Amman) towards their City Amman was shown in the festival. Schools, cultural centers, Banks, big companies, artists and public agencies took part in the festival.
One of the best views was the participation of the Roman Army that was ruling Amman thousands of years ago, in addition the Armenian Folklore, the Chechnya, Syrian, Maan, Palestinian, Ramtha and many other folklore groups which make the variety of Amman citizens.
The Jordanian army music sector was a great participant, as they played the national songs and music during the festival.
Amman history is very rich, from the long walls of the Citadel built during the Bronze Ages to the Roman Amphitheatre in downtown Amman, the city stands proud of its past and looking to future in a big eyes.
As part of the centennial anniversary celebrations, the first Amman International Marathon will take place on October 17, 2009. This world-class sporting event in the heart of Amman and will hopefully begin an annual tradition similar to other international marathons in the Middle East.
This sporting tradition will attract professional and public runners worldwide and help promoting tourism to the Jordanian capital.
The main objective of Amman Marathon is to encourage tourism to Jordan. Also Promoting healthy lifestyles among all members of society. Amman marathon is accredited by International Athletics Federation as an international event.
The route of the race starts at the steps of the City Hall in Amman Municipality and the finishing line will be next to the Roman Amphitheatre in downtown Amman. The categories of the running are professional runners, leisure runners and children. |