As we mentioned in this other post on our blog, Independence Day in Jordan is celebrated every May 25th, and it is one of the national holidays. Whether or not this date coincides with your trip, it is interesting to understand what this day, full of symbolism for the local population, is and how it is celebrated.
What is celebrated on Independence Day?
As its name suggests, Jordan’s Independence Day celebrates the day when this country became a modern state, without the protection or domination of any foreign power. And that officially happened on May 25, 1946. But to reach that milestone, there was a long and difficult journey.
Until then, Jordan was constituted as an emirate under the protection of Great Britain, and its official name was Transjordan, as we explain in this other post. This had been the result of international agreements after the end of World War I, marking the end of the Ottoman Empire, to which the Arab Revolt (1916-1918) that took place in this country decisively contributed. But despite the fact that the Arab Revolt is also solemnly remembered in Jordan because it meant the “liberation” from the Ottoman Empire, it did not lead to effective independence.
It was not until the 1946 Treaty of London that Jordanians and British agreed on the independence of the former, as a natural consequence after World War II and the subsequent territorial reorganization of the Near East, which also led to the independence of Israel. It was then that the emirate of Transjordan became the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with King Abdullah I at the helm (who until then was emir).
How is Jordan’s Independence Day celebrated?
Jordan’s Independence Day has a strong military component, despite the fact that this independence was not achieved through arms. In any case, it is considered a good occasion to show the population and the rest of the world the good organization and discipline of the Jordanian armed forces.
The main event is a military parade through the streets of Amman, with the stellar performance of the Royal Jordanian Falcons, a division of the Jordanian military aviation that, since 1976, has been in charge of performing acrobatic flight exhibitions for commemorations like this. Among the maneuvers to be performed is the representation of the Jordanian flag in the sky of the capital, using colored smoke, often carried out by pilots aboard five Extra-330 LX models.
Regarding the civil part of the celebration, the calendar of activities usually extends for three days, on the dates immediately before or after May 25. The culmination of the festivity is the fireworks shows, which are launched not only in the capital Amman but also in other parts of the country, including symbolic destinations such as Petra. Folk concerts, theatrical performances, and children’s activities for the whole family are also scheduled.
Of course, May 25 is not a working day, which can affect the closure of shops or their opening hours. However, the country’s major tourist attractions usually open their doors normally, so the proportion of Jordanian visitors on this date tends to be higher. In any case, if you are going to be in Jordan on that day, it is recommended to check the schedules or possible effects on transportation and tourist sites beforehand to organize the program in the most appropriate way. And that’s something we can help you with.
