Festivals and Annual Events

The National Day is celebrated in honour of Mohammed Thakurufannu and commemorates his victory over the Portuguese in 1573. It is observed during the month of Rabee-ul-Awwal,

After being a British Colony for about 78 years, Maldives attained independence on July 26, 1965. On the Independence Day, celebrated on July 26 every year, a special official event is held at the Republic Square. The celebrations start in the evening with a march past by the National Security Service and the National Cadet Corps. The march past is followed by performances of drills and traditional dances by local school children.

Maldives had been ruled by a monarchy for about a century and on January 1 1953, became a republic. However, this elected government was transitory as the monarchy was reinstated within the same year. However, on November 11, 1968, a republic was formed once again and thereafter; the Republic Day is celebrated on November 11, each year.

Eid ul-Al Adha is celebrated approximately 70 days after Eid ul Fitr. It falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Zul-Hijja. It is also called the "Festival of Sacrifice" because it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha is celebrated the day after the pilgrims performing Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, descend from Mount Arafat. This Eid brings with it the longest public holiday (from five to seven days) in Maldives along with an atmosphere of revelry and feasting. People plan ahead and visit their friends and relatives staying in different islands. Sports, music and dance all form a part of the festivities with people of all age groups and from all walks of life participating in the celebrations.

Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. The daily fast begins at true dawn, at Fajr, and ends at sunset, at Maghrib.

The end of Ramadan is marked by Kuda Eid or Eid ul Fitr, a festival which is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal with a big feast. Kuda Eid is celebrated after the sighting of the new moon and declared by a cannon blast in Malé and via television. After a month’s fasting Kuda Eid is celebrated very enthusiastically by Muslims in the Maldives. They begin the day by congregating early in the morning at a mosque to offer Eid prayers. After prayers people arrange and attend celebratory meals for family and friends. This is also a time of charity with families offering Zakat (alms) to the needy. Kuda Eid is celebrated for three consecutive days, all of which are public holidays in the Maldives.

Another important religious festival in the Maldives is the Prophet’s birthday, celebrated on the 12th day of the Rabee-ul-Awwal month of the Islamic calendar. Celebrated by all in Maldives, it is a day of great festivity with people visiting each other and relishing specially prepared dishes on the occasion.