Festivals of the Maldives
Festivals of the Maldives
The people of the Maldives are fiercely patriotic and celebrate a range of festivals over the course of the year.
Perhaps the most popular and significant Maldivian festival is the archipelago's Independence Day, a national holiday that falls on 26 July - the date in 1965 that the Maldives finally gained independence from British rule after nearly 80 years as a protectorate. Official celebrations are held in Republic Square on Mal and include processions, parades and performances.
Following that particular date in 1965, the monarchy was abolished and a republic established on 11 November 1968. This date is subsequently honoured annually as Republic Day.
Victory Day is celebrated on 3 November and marks the date that a coup attempt by Sri Lankan terrorists was overturned. Many people died in the violent attack, which was brought to an end thanks to aid from India. Some Maldivians observe the anniversary of this victory with a private drink at one of the resorts where alcohol is permitted in this Islamic region.
Fishing is one of the Maldives' main trades and is crucial to the islands' economy and its peoples' livelihoods. To acknowledge its importance, Fisherman's Day is celebrated on 10 December where fresh local fish such as mackerel and tuna is eaten.
The Maldives' National Day falls on the first day of the third month in the Islamic calendar, Rabee-ul Awwal. It marks Mohammed Thakurufannu's 1573 victory over the Portuguese with street parades on several of the islands.
Martyr's Day commemorates the death of Sultan Ali VI, who was killed while trying to protect the Maldives from Portuguese invasion. Locals mark the day with quiet recognition after attending mosque in the morning. Another sultan fondly remembered by the Maldivians is Hassan Izzudin, who rescued the islands from a south Indian invasion in 1752 four months after the invaders attacked and took control. His victory is celebrated every year with dancing, food, music and entertainment.
The Maldives' official religion is Islam, and the islands celebrate several religious festivals as well as the national ones already mentioned. Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, during which people fast for 30 days. At the end of this period there's a huge feast on after an early-morning gathering at the mosque to pray. This celebration is called Kuda Eid and lasts for three days.
On the 12th day of the Islamic calendar's Rabee-ul-Awwal month, the Maldives mark the Prophet's Birthday with all-day festivities and family gatherings. Special dishes are prepared and shared as relatives get together on this religious day.
Eid-Ul-Al'h'aa is a crucial festival in the Maldives' religious calendar so much so that many Muslims set off on a pilgrimage to Mecca to mark the event. Falling on the 10th day of Zul-Hijja, the festivities include dancing, music and sport. Families get together for feasts and celebrations and welcome a public holiday of up to a week.
Maldives holidays are popular thanks to the islands' white-sand beaches and luxurious spas, but it's also well worth going when a festival is on and absorbing some of the local culture. Why Your Online Dating Name Matters Reasons to Opt For Sedation Dentistry Personal Injury Attorney in Oklahoma Explore Top Tourist Attractions On Singapore Tours Diane Puttman Banish Tonsil Stones - How To Get Rid of Tonsil Stones Review New Hybrid Temporary Buildings: Fabric & Steel Buildings Least Pricey Wholesale Lingerie Online Shop When In Debt, Make A Financial Plan Some ways to Start Saving Money Habit Top 10 Reasons For Buying Lollies In Bulk Melbourne Boutique Rooms Aren't Always Too Much Cash Check Out These Hints On Ways To Grab Fantastic Choosing The Right Custom Window Treatments. Important Steps To Take When Buying Boston Luxury Apartments