Holidays in the Maldives: All about the main events on the islands

Strange "monsters" , traditional drums and bright costumes of the participants: holidays in the Maldives are very unusual ! What do the inhabitants of the island state celebrate and when can you get to a Maldivian holiday?

Maldivian holidays are mainly connected with two main themes. Firstly, the Maldives is a Muslim state, where all Islamic holidays are celebrated. Local traditions bring their own unique " zest " to them : where else at a Muslim holiday can you see a dancing straw effigy in a devil mask?

Secondly, the Maldivians are proud of their national holidays associated with the country's independence. For a long time, the islands had to defend their freedom. But the former colony thundered throughout the world. Everyone dreams of visiting the Maldives at least once in their life! Immerse yourself in the local flavor to get to know the Maldives from the inside: visit a local holiday!

Boduberu | Kurumba Maldives

Fisherman's Day in the Maldives

Fishing is an integral part of the life of the Maldivians, because the ocean has always been a source of food for the inhabitants of the islands. On December 10, the whole country honors this craft. On this day, noisy fish fairs are held, where you can see all the diversity of the ocean and taste the freshest seafood. The festive atmosphere is accompanied by live bodu beru music, which is performed on traditional drums.

Date of the event : December 10.

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Maldives Food Festival

The Food Festival is a real celebration for lovers of delicious and exotic food. It is held in honor of World Food Day. You can expect fruits, seafood and traditional treats. Although the Maldives imports most of its provisions, you can find products from local farmers at the festival. Some resorts also celebrate this holiday by offering guests unusual dishes.

Time : October-November, date changes annually.

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Holy Ramadan

Ramadan is one of the main holidays of the country. It falls on the ninth month of the Islamic or lunar calendar. During the month, Muslims fast and pray. The holiday is hardly felt in tourist resorts, which cannot be said about local islands. For local residents, there are many prohibitions from dawn to sunset.

Tourists who choose to vacation on local islands may face restrictions on the opening hours of shops, banks, cafes and restaurants. But in the evening, iftar begins, when families gather for dinner, and a festive atmosphere is everywhere. Many restaurants offer special dishes on their menu, and evening celebrations include performances by musical groups and fire dancing.

Time : March 10 - April 9 (2024). The date of Ramadan changes every year.

Kanuhura Maldives

Eid al-Fitr - a festival of joy

After the strict fast of Ramadan comes the time of joy and celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Maldivians celebrate this day mainly with their family and relatives. It is a time of giving alms to the poor and needy. The celebration begins with the morning prayer, followed by a sermon in the mosque. After this, the faithful gather for a festive dinner for 3 days in a row. The highlight of the festival is the traditional festive games.

Time : April 9-10 (2024). Date changes annually.

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Bodu Id

One of the most significant holidays is Bodu Eid, often called the "Feast of Sacrifice". In other countries - Eid al-Adha. It is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, shifting by 10-11 days each year. On this day, the Maldivians annually sacrifice cows, goats and other animals. Many Islamic organizations hold special fairs where they sell cattle at prices below market prices so that even the poor can afford the holiday. Bodu Eid lasts three days. During this time, government and most commercial organizations, schools and universities are closed. Although this may create some inconvenience for tourists living on local islands, the atmosphere of the holiday is priceless.

During these days, the streets of the Maldives come alive with people dressing up in colorful clothes, congratulating each other, hugging, visiting fairs and enjoying street performances.

Time : June 16-19 (2024). Date changes annually.

Bodu Mas

The Day of Sacrifice is marked by an original festival. According to legend, a huge fish emerged from the sea along with evil spirits. The locals were able to defeat the monster and now “fight” it every year. Fishermen catch the “big fish” - a scarecrow made from woven coconut leaves. This is followed by “Maali Neshun” - a traditional dance in which participants are dressed as evil spirits and ghosts.

Date : June 16-19, 2024, date changes annually.

Islam Acceptance Day in Maldives

Buddhism was once the main religion in the Maldives, but with the conversion of the king to Islam in the 12th century, the country adopted Islam. This event later became celebrated as Islam Day in the Maldives.

The generally accepted reason for the king's conversion was to improve trade relations with the Arab countries, but there are many other interesting versions. According to legend, a sea demon named Rannamaari came out of the sea every month and threatened to destroy the village unless an innocent girl was sacrificed to it. This led to regular sacrifices in the village. But one day, an Islamic traveler dressed up as a girl and waited for the demon. While waiting, he recited verses from the Koran, listening to which the demon ran away. Thus, everyone believed in the power of religion.

Date of the event : October 5th.

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Independence Day

Like most colonized countries, national festivals in the Maldives are a reflection of the country's struggle and freedom. The Maldives were under foreign rule for a long time. It was only on July 26, 1965 that they gained full independence. And every year this event is celebrated in July with parades and dance performances on all the local islands and many resorts.

Date of the event : July 26.

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National Day of Maldives

Maldives National Day, officially known as Qaumi Dhuvas, commemorates the day when a local rebellion forced the colonial Portuguese to leave the land. In 1558, the Portuguese arrived in the Maldives, killed the local Sultan, and seized power. However, through Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his troops, they recaptured Male and ended 15 years of Portuguese rule. To mark the occasion, numerous military parades, political speeches, flag raising ceremonies, and fireworks displays are held across the island nation.

Date : September 4 (date changes annually).

Asad Photo Maldives

Maldives Republic Day

The Maldives celebrate Republic Day on November 11. On this day in 1968, the Republic of Maldives was officially proclaimed. And now it is one of the main holidays of the island state. This is the best time to try special dishes such as huni hakuru folhi (a type of coconut cake), bodibai (super sweet rice snack), masroshi (pancakes with fish filling). And of course, there is a festival with traditional dances and songs. It is better to watch parades and street performances in Male.

Date of the event : November 11.

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Victory Day in the Maldives

Victory Day in the Maldives, celebrated annually on November 3, is not just a public holiday, but a tribute to the courage and resilience of the people. On this day, November 3, 1988, the Maldives survived the threat of a military coup organized by terrorists from Sri Lanka. About 80 armed mercenaries landed on the island of Male, sowing chaos and fear. However, thanks to timely help from India, the coup attempt was successfully prevented. This day is celebrated with concerts with dancing and music.

Date of the event : November 3rd.

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New Year: December 31 - January 1

Maldivian Santa Claus arrives not on reindeer, but on a boat. Christmas holidays are celebrated brightly on the islands, because many tourists from Western countries arrive on vacation in winter. And here they are in for a real holiday with palm trees, show programs, concerts, fireworks and treats. The Maldives are immersed in the magical atmosphere of the New Year holiday.

Of course, to experience the local holidays you need to go to Male or a local island. But remember that many establishments may not work at this time. And don't forget that Friday and Saturday are days off in the Maldives!

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