Maldives

Maldives : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Holidays in the Maldives

The Maldives observes a variety of public holidays that reflect its Islamic heritage, national pride, and cultural traditions. Many holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, so their dates vary each year. These holidays are marked by religious ceremonies, family gatherings, and celebrations, highlighting the rich cultural and spiritual life of the Maldivian people.

• New Year's Day
  Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated on January 1st with public festivities, family gatherings, and sometimes fireworks. It is a public holiday where businesses and government offices close.

• Beginning of Ramadan (estimated)
  The start of the holy month of fasting for Muslims. Observed based on the lunar calendar, the date varies yearly. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and engage in increased prayer and reflection.

• Eid al-Fitr (estimated)
  Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is a major Islamic festival marking the end of fasting. It spans multiple days with prayers, feasts, charity, and family visits. The exact date varies each year depending on the moon sighting.

• Labor Day
  Observed on May 1st, Labor Day honors the contributions of workers. It is a public holiday with various events and sometimes parades recognizing labor rights and achievements.

• Hajj Day (estimated)
  Marks the day during the Hajj pilgrimage when pilgrims gather in Arafat. It is a significant day of prayer and reflection for Muslims worldwide, including in the Maldives. The date shifts annually based on the Islamic calendar.

• Eid al-Adha (estimated)
  This festival commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The holiday includes prayers, animal sacrifices, and charitable giving to the poor. It is celebrated over several days, with dates shifting annually.

• Islamic New Year (estimated)
  Also known as Hijri New Year, it marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. Observances include prayers, recitations, and reflection on the past year. Date varies each year.

• Independence Day
  Celebrated on July 26th, Independence Day marks the Maldives' independence from British rule in 1965. It is a day of national pride with official ceremonies, cultural shows, and patriotic activities.

• National Day (estimated)
  Commemorates the victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu over Portuguese invaders in 1573. Celebrated with cultural events, parades, and historical reenactments. Date varies annually based on the Islamic calendar.

• Mawlid al-Nabi (estimated)
  The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. It is observed with religious gatherings, recitations of the Quran, and communal prayers. The date changes yearly.

• The Day Maldives Embraced Islam (estimated)
  Marks the historical day when the Maldives converted to Islam. It is observed with religious ceremonies, prayers, and cultural events. The date varies each year.

• Victory Day
  Celebrated on November 3rd, this day marks the victory over a coup attempt in 1988. It is a public holiday with patriotic events and remembrance ceremonies.

• Republic Day
  Observed on November 11th, Republic Day commemorates the declaration of the Maldives as a republic in 1968. Official ceremonies and national celebrations take place.

Site officiel de référence

• Maldives Government Official Portal