Events & Festivals

Events and Festivals in Maldives are lead by the Luna calender.



Eid Festival

There are two Eids that are celebrated by the Muslims; one is annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. the other one is celebrated after the completion of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month where Muslims fast for a month. And it is is called 'Eid-Ul-Fitar'. During this Festival Maldives celebrate with their friends and families. People usually wear new clothes and games and traditional music are played.Specially in the islands. These days this festival is also celebrated in modern terms having music shows and holds parades on the streets. During Eid Festival, it is a great time to visit to local islands.

Independence Day

In July 1965 Maldives was granted full independence from the British.This is one of the biggest National events carried out in the Maldives. National Security Services and school children perform special parades and dances where the President will take part in the celebration. 

Martyr's Day

In 1558 Male' was invaded and attacked by the Portuguese. The ruling Sultan Ali 6th fought the invaders with help from a few country men. He was killed during the fight and was declared a Martyr. This day is celebrated in the memory of the National Hero, Sultan Ali the 6th.

National Day

After the invasion of Portuguese and the killing of Sultan Ali 6th Maldives was under the Portuguese colonial rule. In 1573 Mohamed Ali Thakurufaanu Ali Auzam ended the colonial rule of 15 years. 1st of Rabee ul Awwal (Islamic calender) is celebrated as National Day of Republic of Maldives. Parades and root marches in Male' city and islands are held as a celebration of this day.

Prophet Mohammad's Birthday

Special food and prayers are made on this day to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Mohammad.This day is marked on the 12th of Rabee ul Awwal in the Arabic calender.

Republic Day

On the first of January 1953, the Maldives became a Republic after hundreds of years as a Monarchy.The Monarchy was restored shortly. On 11 November 1968 Republic was formed again. On this day parades and special events are held.

Victory Day

Sri Lankan terrorist group attacked the Maldives government on 3rd November 1998. However the attempt resulted in failure and they fled from the country. This day is marked as the victory day.

Ramadan

Ramadan marks the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Mankind. This month is counted the ninth month of the Islamic calender. During the month of Ramadan Muslims will abstain from eating, drinking and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. And this month focuses on praying and purifying through self-restrain. Special kinds of food are made for breakfasting and is taken with the families and friends.

List of Public Holidays in Maldives 2014

01st January: New Year Holiday
02nd January: National day
13th January: Prophet Mohammad's Birthday
02nd February: The day Maldives embraced Islam
01st May: International Labour Day
28th June: Beginning of Ramadan
26th July: Independence Day
27th July: On the occasion of Independence Day
28th July: Fit'r Eid
29th July: On the occasion of Fit'r Eid
30th July: On the occasion of Fit'r Eid
03rd October: Hajj
04th October: Al'h'aa Eid
05th October: On the occasion of Al'h'aa Eid
06th October: On the occasion of Al'h'aa Eid
07th October: On the occasion of Al'h'aa Eid
25th October: Islamic New year
03rd November: Victory Day
11th November: Republic day
23rd December: National Day


" May the festival of light encircle your life with Joy and Happiness. Success comes at your home "