Festivals and Events in Male Maldives

Local Festivals and Events in Male, Maldives

Male, the capital city of the Maldives, is a hub for various local festivals and events throughout the year. These celebrations showcase the country’s rich culture, history, and traditions.

Dhivehi New Year (Hijri 1)

  • Date: Typically falls on September 10th or 11th
  • Description: The Dhivehi New Year is a significant event in Maldivian culture, marking the beginning of a new Hijri year. People gather for prayers and celebrations at mosques across the city.
  • Highlights:
    • Traditional Maldivian attire and decorations
    • Food stalls offering local delicacies like mas huni (a traditional breakfast dish) and bunyaviyaa (a sweet, flaky pastry)
    • Cultural performances by local artists

Eid-al-Fitr Celebrations

  • Date: Typically falls on the 1st day of the 10th month of the Islamic calendar
  • Description: Eid-al-Fitr is a joyous occasion that marks the end of Ramadan. Maldivians celebrate this holiday with great fervor, often by visiting mosques and exchanging gifts.
  • Highlights:
    • Traditional sweets like kunafeh (a sweet, shredded wheat pastry) and giri hithi (a type of coconut cake)
    • Decorations featuring Islamic motifs and colors
    • Family gatherings and picnics

Independence Day

  • Date: July 26th
  • Description: This national holiday commemorates the Maldives’ independence from British colonial rule in 1965.
  • Highlights:
    • Flag-raising ceremonies at government offices and public spaces
    • Cultural performances showcasing traditional dance, music, and theater
    • Traditional foods like mas huni and bunyaviyaa

Thulhukku Dhathuru

  • Date: Typically falls on July 12th or 13th
  • Description: This festival honors the sacred fishing nets used by fishermen in the Maldives. Locals celebrate with traditional songs, dances, and games.
  • Highlights:
    • Traditional fishing net decorations
    • Seafood stalls offering fresh catches
    • Cultural performances by local artists

Ramadan Celebrations

  • Dates: The 9th month of the Islamic calendar (usually May or June in the Maldives)
  • Description: During this holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Locals come together for prayers and celebrations at mosques across Male.
  • Highlights:
    • Traditional foods like mas huni and bunyaviyaa
    • Cultural performances by local artists
    • Family gatherings and picnics