The National Day of Maldives is on the 1st of Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. This locally is also known as Independence Day. This celebrates their independence from the United Kingdom on the 26th July 1965.
National Day of Maldives
Firstly there was Muhammad Amin Didi who also played a vital role in modernizing the country and promoting social reform. He was a vocal advocate for Maldives’ sovereignty and worked towards strengthening the country’s independence movement. Secondly there was Ibrahim Nasir who became the first President of the Maldives and played a crucial role in the country’s independence negotiations with the British government. Thirdly there was Abdullah Afeef who led the Maldivian delegation to the UN to gain international recognition for Maldives’ sovereignty. Finally Mohamed Amin Didi who was a critic of the British colonial government and who promoted the Maldives’ sovereignty and independence cause.
See also the National Day of Nauru as well as the National Day of Guinea-Bissau and the National Day of Liberia.
Public Holidays in the Maldives
The following are some of the most significant public holidays celebrated in the Maldives:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Islamic New Year – The first day of the Islamic calendar (Hijri)
- National Day – July 26th, which marks Maldives’ independence from the United Kingdom in 1965
- Eid al-Fitr – A religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan
- Independence Day – November 11th, which marks Maldives’ independence from Portugal in 1887
- Republic Day – November 12th, which marks the day the Maldives became a republic in 1968.
- Eid al-Adha – A religious holiday that commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – A religious holiday that commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
On these public holidays, government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed, and many Maldivians
