Maldives to Celebrate 60th Independence Anniversary with Three Days of Festivities
Independence Day military parade and display | Photo: The Presidnet’s Office
The government is preparing a wide range of festive activities to mark the Maldives’ 60th anniversary of independence this month, the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage has announced.
The celebrations will span three days and feature a variety of colourful and engaging events. On 26 July, a flag-raising ceremony will take place in the morning across all inhabited islands. In the evening, a parade involving the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Cadet Corps will be held, alongside performances from four schools and a cultural presentation organised by the Ministry.
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The official Independence Day reception is scheduled for 27 July at 9:00 am, followed by a parade and route march at 4:15 pm. Later that evening, a fireworks display will light up the reclaimed suburb of Hulhumalé.
On the final day, 28 July, the National Award for Public Service ceremony will be held in the morning. A further parade and route march will take place in Hulhumalé during the evening.
Alongside the official events, the public will be invited to participate in a photography competition. Schoolchildren will also have the opportunity to enter essay writing and drawing contests. The Ministry is in discussions with the National Centre for the Arts (NCA) to organise a film festival as part of the celebrations.
The official logo for the 60th Independence Day has been unveiled, selected from over 30 submissions.
Independence Day, celebrated annually on 26 July, commemorates the day in 1965 when the Maldives gained independence from British colonial rule, which began in 1887.
Last year, the government scaled back Independence Day festivities, cancelling the traditional float procession and other events as part of austerity measures aimed at reducing government spending.
