Festivals & Holidays
Essential Information For Maldives
Eid-ul Al'h'aa
Eid-ul Al’h’aa falls on the 10th day on Zul Hijja in the Islamic Calendar. While those who can afford to travel are at pilgrimage at the holy Ka’aba in Mecca, those who stay behind have celebrations and feasting of their own.
This is the longest holiday during the year, and people visit their friends and relatives on other islands. The holiday period is between five to seven days. All over Maldives this period is one of celebrations. Traditional sports, music and dance go hand in hand with modern sports and music. The young and old, men and women all take part in the celebrations.
Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated on 26 July, which commemorates gaining independence from the British in 1965. The highlight of the day is the official celebrations held in the evening in Republic Square on Malé. The event begins with a march past by the National Security Service and the National Cadet Corps. This is followed by drills, traditional dances and modern drills performed by hundreds of school children in colourful dress. Parades, floats and processions depicting traditional and modern themes accompany these events.
Kuda Eid
Kuda Eid is the first day of the month of Shawaal in the Islamic Calendar. This follows the end of Ramadan and is a period of feasting. Early in the morning, men and women gather at the mosque to pray. At each house, a feast is prepared and family, friends and neighbours are invited. This is also a period to consider those less fortunate than oneself. Kuda Eid is a public holiday and is celebrated for three days.
National Day
National Day celebrates the great victory of Mohamed Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese in 1573. National Day is celebrated on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month in the Islamic Calendar.
Prophet's birthday
As with all Muslims, Maldivians celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday. The prophet’s Birthday is the 12th day of Rabee-ul-Awwal in the Islamic Calendar. Families invite one another to their homes to share dishes specially prepared for the day.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a month during which Muslims mark 30 days of fasting. The working hours are altered for the month, with government offices open from 09.00 to 13.30, and the private sector from 09.00 to 15.00.
Republic Day
On 11 November 1968, the Maldives became a Republic for the second time. The day is celebrated every year with parades and marches.
