Maldivian society is not only about their busy, hardworking lifestyle for a developing economy. When it comes to holiday festivities, it becomes a rare experience to witness and participate. From artist choreography to unusual practices, Maldivians are never hesitant to up their game when it comes to these dates on the calendar.

New Years

Even though New year celebration is not a key celebratory event in history, the tourism revolution has made an impact of integrating this festive worldwide celebration into the Maldivian traditions. Likewise, you can experience an annual new year party at any tourist resort, as well as the capital. From multiple live stages involving local music and dance, international pop stars also drop by celebrating on this festive eve.

Eid Festivals

Eid is a celebratory festival conducted by Muslims all over the world. Besides the common Islamic traditions, every country has their unique way of celebrating Eid, especially the Maldives. Which includes the infamous ‘Fenkulhi’ where the entire island disperses into an exhilarating fest of soaking each other with watercolors. Likewise, it is advised to dress down because there are high chances that you will get sprayed with colour. Even though, this tradition is in play throughout the day, by evening everyone will wash down and prepare for the ‘Eid Jaafaiy’. It is a big meal enjoyed by close relatives and friends to mark the auspicious day of Eid. This is followed by a series of parades, traditional music and dance performances throughout the evening, to conclude the festival.

Remembrance Holidays

Maldivians celebrate a range of holidays in memorial of many legends in history. This includes republic day, national day, prophet’s birthday and so on. However, the Maldivian Independence Day is one of the most vibrant holidays in the country. Celebrating the independence from the British colonization on July 26th, 1965, the country waves their national flag and scatter across in red white and green to embrace their patriotism. Likewise, the entre capital city celebrates with unique parades flooding the streets under the twilight of brightly shimmering lights, streamed down buildings and over trees. It has become a tradition that every year there will be a mass performance by public schools, defense, police and local dance groups that feature a large-scale resemblance of geography, culture and history.

Maldivians are known for their creativity in arts and culture, and these are one of those rare glimpses,which locals and tourists can experience throughout the year. It is a sequence of diversity and authentic history that you do not want to miss at your stay in the Maldives.