Maldives Festivals

On the islands of the Maldives the most important religious event is Ramadan (known locally as rorda mas), the Islamic month of fasting. Other noteworthy events are Kuda Id, the sighting of the new moon (celebrated at the end of Ramadan), and the Prophet's Birthday, which commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. Fixed holiday dates include: National Day (the day Mohammed Thakurufaan and his men overthrew the Portuguese on Male in 1573, the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar); Victory Day (victory over Sri Lankan mercenaries who tried to overthrow the Maldivian government on 3 November 1988); and Republic Day (which commemorates the current republic, founded on 11 November 1968).

Please note that many public holidays in the Maldives do not go according to calendar dates but are governed by the phases of the moon, thus the dates mentioned below are meant as a guide only and are when the festivals most often fall however these dates change so much that they can be up to 3 months difference in celebration times from one year to the next.

Holidays

1st January: New Year

January: Fith'r Eid

March: Hajj Day

March: Al-haa Eid

April: Islamic New Year

15 Jun: National Day

16 Jun: National Day (extra day)

26th Jun: Prophet Mohammed's birthday

26th July: Independence Day

September: Huravee Day

November: Victory Day

November: Martyr's Day

11th November: Republic Day

12th November: Republic Day (extra day)

Dec: Beginning of the Fasting month (Ramazan)

December: Christmas Day