In 2024 we decided to cancel the festival because our hearts were too heavy with the ongoing genocidal war on Gaza. Instead of holding Alwan in Amman, we diverted our efforts to Gaza where we worked with the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music on delivering the Alwan Gaza Initiative; an entertainment programme for children in displaced areas combining street theatre, musical performances, puppetry, circus and more. Over two and a half months Alwan Gaza reached thousands of children in Nuseirat, Deir Al Balah, Khan Younis, Mawasi and was finally able to also reach Jabalia when there was a temporary truce. The aim of the programme was not only to bring a glimpse of joy to children traumatised by the atrocities of the Israeli occupation, but to also support the livelihoods of the artists that we worked with. You can see more about our initiative on our page and on this video link. The genocidal war on Gaza has not ended and our hearts are heavier than ever, yet we will resume our festival this year with the responsibility of giving our children what they deserve. Through the festival we will continue our support to artists from Palestine as we are proud to host the amazing talents of the Palestine Circus School from Ramallah as well as the unique puppets of Mahdi Karera from Gaza which we were miraculously able to bring out to Jordan.
After the beautiful success of ALWAN’S first two editions in September 2022 and 2023 we come back this year with an exciting programme filled with joy, art and creativity. Families will come into our dream world of the most fun street theatre, the craziest installations, mischievous parade performances and incredibly engaging artistic experiences.
ALWAN 2025: Laughter takes center stage in Home by Cris Clown from Spain, where the domestic life of a newly married couple turns into comedy in a whirlwind of fast-paced clowning… El Grand Finale by Bucraa Theatre from Spain reunites two aging clowns after decades of war in a touching and hilarious attempt to finish the show they once began… Beware of Rats by Cia Campi Qui Pugui from Spain, a playful street invasion inspired by the tale of the Pied Piper where giant rodents and a mysterious flutist transform public space into a game of laughter and surprise… The mystical creatures of Wonder Walks – Bubbles on Circus from Italy enchant with shimmering trails of bubbles that leave both kids and adults wide-eyed… The world-famous neon clown Karcocha from Spain/Chile improvises with humor, whistles, and unexpected tricks in his roaming street art performance… The oversized rabbits and Mademoiselle Carrotte of Archibal Caramantran from France hop and dance their way into the festival’s heart with absurd, marvelous flair… The Palestinian Circus School brings daring circus acts and workshops that empower and inspire through creativity and skill… The precious string puppets of Mahdi Karera from Gaza tell the story of people who love and cherish their homeland… Sarhan Abd Il Baseer returns transformed into a giant clown puppet, a collective tribute animated by children pulling ropes to bring joy and movement to life. Qased and Rahaf from Jordan will get your kiddos on their feet dancing to old and new tunes in the upper garden…All that and much more awaits you at Alwan 2025. Check out the full programme here.
*YMCE is a limited liability company registered in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan