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← Events ☏
Events

Maldives events guide for families

Written by The Trip Keeper team Content updated 30 Oct 2026 Facts last checked 30 Oct 2026
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The short answer

Maldivian festivals follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so Eid dates move about 11 days earlier each year; the fixed dates are Independence Day (26 July), Victory Day (3 November) and Republic Day (11 November). Resorts run normally through every holiday. On local islands, Ramadan and the two Eids mean shops and cafes closed by day and lively evenings.

February

Ramadan

Nationwide Typical timing

Usually 18 February to 19 March 2026. 2027 expected from around 8 February; dates not yet announced.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

The fasting month. Local-island cafes close by day and open after sunset, and government offices keep shorter hours. Evenings are lively, with special foods after iftar.

For families: Resort islands are unaffected. On a local island, arrange daytime meals with your guesthouse.

Event website

March

Eid al-Fitr (Eid-ul-Fithr)

Nationwide Typical timing

Usually End of Ramadan; 20-22 March 2026. 2027 expected around 10 March; exact dates not yet announced.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

The biggest festival of the year. Families feast after the month of fasting, with music and boduberu drumming on local islands. Shops and offices close for about three days.

For families: Resorts run as usual. On local islands, plan for closed shops and slower ferry services for a few days.

Event website

May

Eid al-Adha (Eid-ul Al-haa)

Nationwide Typical timing

Usually 27 May 2026, holidays about a week. 2027 expected around 17 May; exact dates not yet announced.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

The festival of sacrifice, marked by prayers, feasts and visiting between islands. Public holidays run for about a week, longer than for Eid al-Fitr.

For families: Ferries and government services run reduced schedules; resorts are unaffected.

Event website

July

Independence Day

Male and nationwide Dates not announced yet

Usually Always 26 July, with a public holiday on 27 July.. The 2026 edition ran 26 Jul 2026. Next dates not yet announced.

Marks independence from Britain in 1965. Official ceremonies and parades in Male, and flag-hoisting events across the islands.

For families: A good day to be in Male for the parade; expect road closures around Republic Square.

Event website

August

National Day

Nationwide Typical timing

Usually 14 August 2026. Lunar date; 2027 expected around 4 August and not yet announced.. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.

Marks the 1573 victory over the Portuguese. Observed on the first day of Rabi al-awwal with ceremonies and flag displays.

For families: Quieter than Independence Day, with mainly official ceremonies.

Event website

November

Republic Day

Male Dates confirmed for 2026

11 Nov 2026 · Dates from timeanddate.com, checked 30 Oct 2026

Marks the founding of the republic in 1968, with official ceremonies in Male.

For families: Most visitor services run normally.

Event website

Trips to Maldives

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Quick questions

Is Ramadan a bad time to visit the Maldives?

Not at all for resort stays: resort islands run exactly as usual, including alcohol service. On local inhabited islands, cafes close during daylight and open after sunset, and offices keep shorter hours, so arrange daytime meals with your guesthouse. Evenings after iftar are lively and worth experiencing.

Which festival is best for families?

Eid al-Fitr is the most festive: feasts, music and boduberu drumming on local islands over about three days. For parades and official ceremonies, Independence Day on 26 July is the fixed highlight in Male.

Do shops and services close on public holidays?

On local islands many shops close on public holidays and around Friday prayer times, and ferries run reduced schedules on the big Eid holidays. Resorts operate normally every day of the year.

Do festival dates change every year?

Yes for Islamic holidays: they follow the lunar calendar and move about 11 days earlier each year, with exact dates confirmed close to the day by moon sighting. Fixed dates that never change: Independence Day 26 July, Victory Day 3 November and Republic Day 11 November.

Sources

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