Annual Mashi Maali Parade Highlights Power Cuts and Fishermen’s Plight

The northern city of Kulhudhuffushi held its annual Mashi Maali parade on the second day of Eid-Al-Adha, a well-known event renowned for its satirical take on current affairs. This year’s parade took aim at the island’s persistent power cuts and the government’s struggles with fishermen’s payments.

Named after the traditional mashi maali, costumed “monsters” crafted from white clay sourced from the island’s mangroves, the parade maintains its unique charm despite the reduction of mangrove areas due to airport development.

Over the past three months, Kulhudhuffushi has experienced frequent power outages, which became a central theme in this year’s parade.

One notable float featured a cardboard cutout labelled “backup generator,” accompanied by participants in costumes carrying printouts of announcements from the state utility company FENAKA. These announcements detailed a schedule of anticipated power cuts earlier in the year, highlighting the community’s frustration.

Other floats mocked the government’s failure to fulfil campaign promises to fishermen and to provide timely payments for their catch. The fishermen’s plight has been a significant issue, drawing widespread criticism and concern.

The parade also referenced recent political developments, including MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla’s election as Speaker of Parliament earlier this month.

Another float taunted Abdul Raheem’s son, Ibrahim Faisal, who was recently appointed Tourism Minister. Faisal has pledged to hire a coach to improve his public speaking skills after facing criticism for his poor English at international travel fairs.

In addition to the satirical commentary, the parade featured traditional maali and other floats that are staples of this iconic event.

The Mashi Maali parade continues to be a vibrant display of the island’s wit and humour, offering a platform for the community to voice their concerns and criticisms through creative expression.