Daraa, Aug. 11 (SANA)Minister of CultureMohammad Yassin al-Salehand Daraa GovernorAnwar Taha al-Zoubiopened theHoran Summer Festivalin Al-Quwatli neighborhood on Monday evening, with the participation of residents, cultural representatives and local business owners.The festival featured cultural and commercial activities, alongside participation from local businesses and residents.Al-Saleh told SANA that holding the festival in Al-Quwa neighborhood, where the effects of destruction remain visible, is significant, adding that the event contributes to enhancing Daraa’s presence in the cultural scene.He said theMinistry of Cultureis working to strengthen cultural activities in Daraa alongside Damascus and other Syrian governorates, while contributing to a wider cultural presence.Al-Saleh added that preparations are underway to revive the Bosra al-Sham Festival, in addition to a number of cultural projects in the governorate.“Daraais the spark, the determination, the resolve, and the first blood shed on this land,” al-Saleh said, referring to victims from the governorate, including Hamza al-Khatib.For his part, al-Zoubi told SANA that holding the festival in its current location demonstrates that areas affected by destruction can host cultural and social events.He said cultural projects in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture will begin with the Horan Festival and extend to the revival of the Bosra al-Sham Festival, stressing that additional events will continue during the coming period.Al-Zoubi expressed hope that Daraa would witness significant development and a new appearance by the end of 2026.A number of local business owners participated in the festival by offering products at reduced prices.Participant Muhaib al-Zayed said his participation came at the invitation of the governorate, describing the festival as an opportunity to take part in the event and offer products at reduced prices.He added that participants hope such events will continue throughout the year.Resident Asim al-Zoubi, one of the festival visitors, said holding the event in an area affected by destruction in Daraa city carries significance beyond its commercial aspect.He noted that the effects of destruction remain visible at the site, adding that residents seek to restore activity to the area.The Horan Summer Festival includes cultural and commercial activities in Daraa with participation from residents and local businesses.