New Festival “Medaina” to Grace Jordan’s Historic Sites Petra and Wadi Rum

In 2024, a thrilling new festival named Medaina is set to captivate audiences in Jordan, spreading its magic across the renowned archaeological sites of Petra and the stunning Wadi Rum valley, often referred to as the Valley of the Moon or Mars on Earth due to its striking reddish landscape.

This multi-day extravaganza promises an impressive lineup of international and local musicians, complemented by breathtaking visuals, and will showcase the best in music, art, gastronomy, culture, and sustainability.

From May 22 to May 27, 2024, festival-goers will embark on a captivating journey within these two enduring landscapes, steeped in archaeological significance. The festivities commence with an opening day celebration at the ancient wonder of the world, Petra, followed by a special presentation the next day. On May 24, the festival will shift to the mesmerizing Wadi Rum, with a centrepiece party scheduled for the following day.

Medaina is brought to life by the renowned Tithorea production company, co-founded by Shahin Mani and Sherif Koyess, the masterminds behind Turkey’s Echoes from Agartha festival and Costa Rica’s Labryinto. The festival’s name, “Medaina,” is a fusion of “Mediterranean” and the Arabic word “ain,” meaning spring.

Co-founder Shahin Mani expresses excitement about presenting Medaina at the enchanting sites of Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan. The collaboration and support from the Jordanian people and government have been awe-inspiring, making this historic celebration a reality. Medaina promises an immersive experience of a lifetime, guided by state-of-the-art creative direction.

Petra, a central location of the ancient Nabataean tribe, stands as a magnificent half-built, half-carved city that served as a bustling hub for the trade of Chinese silks, Indian spices, and Arabian incense, connecting Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia. The region boasts an ingenious water management system that allowed for settlement during the Nabataean, Roman, and Byzantine periods. With its elaborate tomb and temple architecture, along with remnants of ancient tunnels, Petra is brimming with cultural and historical significance.

Wadi Rum, a UNESCO-certified World Heritage Site, bears evidence of prehistoric civilizations through rock carvings, inscriptions, and informative ruins. The russet landscape, adorned with narrow gorges, natural arches, and majestic cliffs, has served as a captivating backdrop, including scenes from the final Star Wars film.

Against these bountiful backdrops, Medaina vows to deliver an innovative electronic music lineup, attracting attendees from over 70 countries to partake in this extraordinary celebration.